TWO charities which help ill people from across the region have shared £24,000, thanks to a fundraising ball.

More than 300 guests enjoyed the annual event at Knavesmire, organised by Hunters Property Group, in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in York, and Martin House children's hospice, near Wetherby.

Peter Wallis-Bellman, of the association in York, said: "The money will go towards purchasing and supplying everything from drinking straws to motorised chairs for sufferers in the North. The money will also go towards research into the cause and, hopefully, a remedy for the disease."

Martin House hospice provides 24-hour care and support to families with very ill children.

Stuart Andrew, hospice spokesman, said: "The high-level of care needed for all our patients is very expensive, so this funding will go a long way to maintaining our services."

The evening at York Racecourse included a four-course dinner, dancing, entertainment, an auction and raffle.

Hunters director Keith Hollinrake said: "Local businesses really got behind us to help raise the money - especially Yorkshire Bank, which gave so generously as our main sponsor."