It was a red-hot evening of fun as friends, supporters and staff of Francis House children’s hospice enjoyed a Christmas ball at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa.

‘Fire and Ice’ was the theme and over 450 guests were greeted by flame machines, white carpets, dramatic red centrepieces and stunning visual pyrotechnics.

The evening, hosted by Sarah Powell, began with a drinks reception and three-course meal, followed by auctioneer Thomas Forrester of television’s Bargain Hunt whipping up excitement with the opportunity to bid on a number of superb auction prizes.The ball generated an incredible £100k to help the Didsbury-based hospice provide care and support to the families of children and young adults with life-limiting conditions around the North West region.

Entertainment consisted of a duo of singing firemen from Divas in Disguise who had guests dancing along to their rendition of Disco Inferno.

After dinner, the party band, Soul Brothers, performed Motown and soul hits from the 70s and 80s, keeping the dance floor full until the early hours of Saturday morning.