AN amazing £50,000 was raised by Worcestershire Ambassadors at its annual ball with funds donated to the Queen’s birthday charities via Worcestershire Community Foundation.

The event at West Midlands Safari Park near Bewdley sold out within three weeks of tickets going on sale and was attended by nearly 400 people from the local business community and their guests.

Worcestershire Ambassadors’ chairman Vince Hopkins said: “What a night. Everyone had a fantastic time, and the funds raised blew us away. We are absolutely delighted to be able to make a substantial donation to The Worcestershire Community Foundation. A massive thank you must be given to our sponsors and to the amazing Ivan Knezovich and his team at the safari park, whose support is more than vital to the success of the occasion.”

The theme of the ball was "Rule Britannia" with suitable tributes taking place throughout the evening, including flag waving, a dedicated letter read out from the Queen and red, white and blue decoration.

The success of the ball sits alongside the work the Ambassadors do throughout the year supporting numerous community projects, such as Young Enterprise, the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards, the appointment this year of an Ambassadors’ apprentice Hayley Giles, Asparafest and Pershore Plum Festival amongst many more. This year the group has supported community initiatives with endorsements, promotion and financially with combined donations of £15,000 across multiple Worcestershire projects. Central to the Ambassadors’ ethos is a commitment to developing and supporting the growth of Worcestershire across all strands of the community.