A NIGHT of music and dancing has raised thousands of pounds for two worthwhile charities.

Weldmar and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) have both received £1,200 thanks to a successful spring ball, organised by Bridport residents Michelle Holmes-Good and Helen Browne.

The friends handed over cheques to both charities, which expressed gratitude for the amount raised.

Emily Fisher, community engagement fundraiser for Weldmar, said: "Weldmar cannot thank these two lovely ladies enough for all their hard work in the run up to this amazing event, and to receive a cheque for that amount is a testament to the time and dedication put. Thank you."

The charity ball was sponsored by Chesil Theatre Supplies and A.G. Down funeral, with the latter also making a donation to round up the amounts to £1,200.

Bridport’s Shelby’s Elbows headlined the ball, which took place at Freshwater, and artist Petra Hughes provided caricatures, photography came from Paul Brewer and entertainment was performed by magician Chris Howat.

Michelle chose the BHF in memory of her mum, who died after suffering a heart attack when she was just 38-years-old. She hopes the money will help fund life-saving research.

Vicki Carswell, BHF fundraising officer, said: "A huge 'thank you' to Michelle and Helen for their wonderful support over the past two years; it is hugely appreciated and it's thanks to our supporters the BHF is able to fund world-class research into heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia and diabetes. With supporters like these, we really can beat heart break forever."

Michelle and Helen both chose the charities for personal reasons.

Helen said: “Weldmar looked after my husband after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. They also helped me - I have nothing but admiration for them.

“I think everyone has experience with Weldmar - they help so many families. They need to raise a lot of money themselves and if events like ours don’t happen, how will they get it? We want to do out bit.”