MORE than 200 famers and their families enjoyed a special ball on Saturday night (January 30).

That’s after organisers put on the 70th annual Rokeby Farmer’s Ball, at the Morritt Arms Hotel, in Greta Bridge, Barnard Castle.

To mark their 70th anniversary the organisers also decided to make the ball extra special by donating all the funds to the Teenage Cancer Trust – marking the first time the proceeds have gone to a charity.

Guests enjoyed a sit-down meal was as well as entertainment from the band The Fallen.

Treasurer of the Rokeby Farmer’s Ball Committee, Andrew Watson, said the night was a huge success.

“It is the first time we have done it for a charity,” he said.

“We had a golden ticket raffle and people donated prizes. We thought we would be selling tickets all night, but it went really well and we could not believe how generous people were.”

Mr Watson said the committee is still to find out how much was raised from the night but wanted to thank all involved and the guests for coming.

He added: “It was a good night and everything went well – everybody had a great night.”