GUESTS at a Bavarian-themed ball raised £130,000 for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) near to Lymm.

At the charity’s 19th annual ball 320 guests were greeted by CAFT staff dressed in lederhosen and a glass of mulled wine to raise funds to help children who are terminally ill, chronically sick, disabled or disadvantaged.

Compere Andy Ashworth officially welcomed guests to the ball dressed as Father Christmas before launching the fundraising session which saw guests taking part in three different raffles.

Prizes included a white gold necklace worth £2,500 donated by Randalls of Altrincham, a hamper from Hotel Chocolat and two tickets for a trip aboard the Northern Belle – the iconic sister train of the Orient Express.

Other prizes included a luxury holiday visiting fairytale castles in the Bavarian Alps sponsored by Beechwood Travel, holidays to Crete and the Algarve and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch a match at Old Trafford with CAFT President and former footballer Sir Bobby Charlton.

Events fundraiser Pippa Watton said: “This was such a wonderful night and our guests really are the best.

"Our staff and volunteers work so hard on this event and it's so rewarding for us all to see everyone having such a great time.  

"Every year we are blown away by the generosity of our guests and this year was no exception.  

"To raise £130,000 in just one night is astounding – we’re all still reeling.

"This money will make such a huge difference to the children visiting us here at the adventure farm and we can’t thank everyone enough for their unwavering support."

During the ball guests were moved by a heartfelt speech given by Haanagh Smith whose Zachary and Reuben were born with Cerebral Palsy.  

Haanagh and her family had recently enjoyed a break at the adventure farm.

Her personal story gave guests an insight into the daily struggles they face and why their stay at CAFT was so important to her family.

Live music was provided by the Deadbeats and DJ Neil Bebbo.