THE Darlington branch of Handelsbanken held a charity ball in aid of Bright Red at The Blackwell Grange Hotel in Darlington.

The ball concluded a year of fundraising in memory of their former branch manager, Mike Airey. Mike opened the Darlington branch in October 2010 but sadly passed away in 2017.

Bright Red - www.brightred.org.uk - is a local charity supporting haematology treatment and research within the region since 1988. It is the chosen charity of Mike’s family and a research fund at the charity has been set up in Mike’s name.

"The Ball held at The Blackwell Grange Hotel was very enjoyable and included a magician, disco, auction and raffle," a spokesperson said. "With the support of 150 customers, members of the local professional community together with Mike’s family and friends £9000 was raised.

"The funds were added to £5,000 already raised by the team through various fundraising events and activities organised over the last year. Mike was highly respected  and heavily involved in the local community and charities. The number of people who attended the ball is testament to this."

Handelsbanken Darlington would like to thank customers, local businesses and the professional community for supporting their year of charity fundraising in aid of Bright Red.