BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin and star of Born Naughty DrFB Ravi Jayaram hosted a black tie ball which raised more than £27,000 for the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Babygrow Appeal last week.

Jointly sponsored by David M Robinson and the Mitchell Group, the Sparkle Ball at Chester Town Hall was hailed a great success by organisers.

More than 200 guests turned out to support the charity and many local companies donated prizes for live and iPad auctions.

Babygrow Appeal Committee members Mouse Mears, Philippa Darlington, Leila Bibby, Rhian Birkett-Evans and Mary Jane Greenhalgh
Babygrow Appeal Committee members Mouse Mears, Philippa Darlington, Leila Bibby, Rhian Birkett-Evans and Mary Jane Greenhalgh

Chair of the Babygrow Appeal Committee Leila Bibby, who organised the event, said: “We had a wonderful evening and I am absolutely delighted with the amount we have raised for the Babygrow Appeal.

“The event was a great success thanks to the support of the fabulous committee and the evening’s hosts Louise Minchin and Dr Ravi Jayaram.”

Leila Bibby, centre, with fundraisers and volunteers Janet Ratcliffe, Angie Lopez, Pauline Finlay, Becky Clegg and Lesley Woodhead
Leila Bibby, centre, with fundraisers and volunteers Janet Ratcliffe, Angie Lopez, Pauline Finlay, Becky Clegg and Lesley Woodhead