STOKESLEY Young Farmers’ Club celebrated its 85th birthday by holding an anniversary ball at Marton Country Club, along with a charity auction of promises, to raise money for Teesside Hospice.

A total of 377 tickets were sold and local businesses and companies donated prizes for the auction and raffle.

Andrew Dickens was auctioneer for the night. A weekend stay in a cottage was donated by David and Caroline Bainbridge, a day’s shooting courtesy of Jonathan Fletcher, a day’s hunting with the Hurworth Hunt, courtesy of Martin Lowcock, and inflatable hire from AR Entertainments.

A total of £3,600 was raised for Teesside Hospice.

The chairman, James Dobson, gave a vote of thanks and the president, Andrew Petch, gave a speech about his memories of the club.

“Past and present Young Farmers enjoyed a well organised evening,” he said, “proving why Stokesley YFC was able to celebrate 85 years and is still going strong.”

Rachel Chapman, the club secretary was delighted with the way the evening went: “The night was a massive success,” she said.

Stokesley YFC is the second oldest in Yorkshire and meets every Monday.

Non-farmers are also welcome to join.

The club is also part of the Eskdale District Young Farmers, and enters competitions throughout the year.

Pictured: Hannah Swales, Alistair Jopling, Mary Kellett, Stuart Austin, Matthew Maynard and Lily Cuthbert at the ball. – Picture: Vicki Brotton