CHAMPAGNE wasn’t the only thing being opened as generous patrons took out their wallets at a Darlington bar.

Crooners, in Houndgate Mews, hosted a charity meal to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), charging £10 a head and raising £350.

About 25 people attended the event, which saw Crooners raffling off expensive gifts that ranged between a Saks haircut and afternoon tea at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Hurworth.

“The support was great,” said owner Ian Ferguson. “Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves”.

The Great North Air Ambulance has been operating in the region for more than 20 years and relies heavily on charitable donations to keep its three helicopters operational.