AN annual West Devon celebration ball celebrated its 50th anniversary this year ? and raised a splendid £2,720 for charity.

More than 250 party-goers attended the Lydford 12th Night Ball at the Nicholls Hall ? and it was an even more memorable night for one couple.

A special waltz was played for Mr and Mrs Gilbert, who met at the first 12th night ball in 1953, married soon after and have attended every ball since then.

The first ball was held to raise money for coronation mugs for the children of Lydford.

The following year the late Flossie Cooke sent the proceeds of the evening, £8, to Cancer Research. The event has gone from strength to strength down the years, resulting in last month?s wonderful sum for Cancer Research UK.

Roger Cole, chairman of the 12th night ball committee, said: ?The ball is a much looked-forward to event and every year tickets sell immediately they go on sale.

?We had a wonderful evening with huge support from local people who support the work of Cancer Research UK so fantastically. We all look forward to the next 50 years of Lydford Ball.?

And Mr Cole paid special tribute to the Teapot Centre for sponsoring draw books, Lee Easton for printing tickets and posters, the Fox and Hounds Pub and Cats Eyes band plus every else who made donations to the ball.

Sylvia Arlett, Cancer Research UK community fundraiser for Devon, said: ?The fact this yearly event is such a success is down to the sheer hard work and dedication of the people who organise it.

?Cancer Research UK are extremely grateful to Lydford 12th night ball committee for raising such a wonderful sum and for promoting our work so positively throughout the district.?

She said Cancer Research UK was investing in three new research facilities and aimed to bring new treatments faster to the 250,000 in Britain and five million people worldwide who developed cancer each year.

This Saturday is International Childhood Cancer day, which aims to help children with cancer get the best possible treatment and care, no matter where they live.

Schools, youth groups and clubs are being encouraged to get involved on the day and can find out about events in the area by logging on to http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/childcancerday/">www.cancerresearchuk.org/childcancerday/