Over £2000 was raised at a charity dinner in aid of The Children’s Society.

Other dignitaries joining Lord and Lady Shuttleworth for the event at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton le Moors, included five of the county’s deputy lord lieutenants, the Mayors of Blackburn, Burnley and Hyndburn and Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson.

And there was fantastic support from many local businesses and other organisations and individuals – so much so that a huge £2,500 was raised to support The Children’s Society’s work helping vulnerable children.

Teenagers from the DAPA (Dance and Performing Arts) Centre in Blackburn put on a performance highlighting the dangers of child sexual exploitation while presenters from radio stations 2BR and The Bee compered the event to add to the fun atmosphere.

Zak Khan, The Children’s Society’s North West Corporate Ambassador, said: “The event was a huge success and a great opportunity to increase awareness of the work The Children’s Society does throughout Lancashire to help our children.

“The support we received from local people and businesses including The Dunkenhalgh Hotel was fantastic and deeply appreciated and the money raised will support our work helping disadvantaged children.”

Joanna Hunt, Programme Manager for The Children’s Society in Lancashire, which runs services from offices in Blackburn and Preston and supports young people throughout the county, said: “We support hundreds of young people, children and families every year but we would like to be able to help many more.

“Events like this ensure that a young person affected by sexual exploitation can get access to the right help, a family can build better futures following relationship breakdown, and a child entering the care system can have their voice heard when everything seems confusing and scary.

“This was a wonderful event and it is fantastic to know that people in Lancashire are every bit as committed to helping vulnerable children as staff at The Children’s Society.”