THE Hospice of the Good Shepherd celebrated its 18th birthday in style – and raised more than £32,000 for its own funds into the bargain.

A marquee at Chester racecourse was the setting for the glittering Reflections Ball which attracted around 400 guests, including actor Jimmi Harkishin who plays Dev in Coronation Street.

The evening included a champagne reception, a meal by Heathcotes, entertainment by the Dave Roberts Jazz Quartet and dancing to Goodfellas.

The event was well supported by businesses including Barclays Bank, whose staff assisted with the silent auction, table raffle and heads-and-tails game.

Main sponsor was Chester Racecourse.

The array of valuable prizes for the open auction raised £10,000 and included a week in a private villa in Barbados donated by ICT Holidays.

The event gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on the highly specialised care that has been provided on an ongoing basis to patients at the Backford hospice since it opened 18 years ago.

Organisers have thanked ball committee members Carol Talbot, Pamela Crisp, Sarah Adams, Eleni Kinch, Glyn Meacher-Jones and Damian Murphy who gave their time and expertise on a voluntary basis.