BLACK ties and fancy ballgowns took centre stage at a glittering Valentine's fundraiser - that helped cancer care at York Hospital reach another important milestone.

Romance was in the air as more than 400 lovebirds flocked to York Racecourse on Saturday night.

The ball was organised by the York Against Cancer charity, and fundraising chairman Pat Leveson hailed the event a great success.

A final total has not yet been calculated but she estimated about £14,000 was raised - and this should complete a £200,000 appeal launched at a similar Valentine's ball in 2003.

The cash will go to a psychological support service at York Hospital's, Cancer Care Centre, provided after a joint Evening Press appeal launched in 1997 raised £110,000 in double-quick time.

Mrs Leveson said: "Everybody seemed to have a really good time. There were some very, very posh ballgowns and the dance floor was never empty. The atmosphere was fantastic."

She thanked contributors who provided a large number of raffle prizes on the night.

York Against Cancer's £200,000 appeal is for a psycho-social service, offering specialist counselling for cancer patients and their carers.

Updated: 10:04 Monday, February 14, 2005