A MAGICAL masquerade ball helped a Bury charity raise a magnificent £3,100.

More than 200 guests enjoyed a night of fundraising fun and entertainment at the Village Hotel on Saturday, April 23, in aid of Annabelle's Challenge, the charity named for Brandlesholme youngster Annabelle Griffin.

The seven-year-old suffers from life-threatening Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS), an incurable genetic condition which causes collagen deficiency and means she is at daily risk of her internal organs and arteries spontaneously rupturing.

The ball, which was attended by Bury Mayor Cllr Stella Smith and consort John Smith along with Bury Council Leader Cllr Mike Connolly, included an emotional live performance from Annabelle and charity patron and former X Factor contestant Emilia Ward.

The night was rounded off with a Michael Buble tribute performance by Paul Topham and a disco into the early hours.

Jared Griffin, Annabelle's dad, said: “The Masquerade Ball was our finest event since we established the charity in 2014, tickets sold out well in advance and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our guests who attended and to our organisers Sarah Ward and Lynn Wells and the Village Hotel staff for ensuring a wonderful and successful event.”

The charity is now asking for support from local schools and businesses on Friday, May 20, to help raise awareness of Reds4Veds Day, an opportunity to take a photo wearing something red and share on them social media using hashtag #Reds4Veds.

Reds4Veds day was the brainchild of Annabelle’s Challenge and EDS Ireland and is back for a second year to raise awareness of the condition across the world.

Mr Griffin added: “We are delighted that Annabelle’s school, Woodbank Primary, will be taking part in #Reds4Veds Day, with pupils and staff supporting our charity with various activities throughout the day with all proceeds being donated to the school”.

Annabelle’s Challenge are also hosting a Ladies Afternoon Tea on Friday, May 13, at The Bolholt Hotel. For tickets and information go to: annabelleschallenge.org