DINERS who tucked into a three-course meal and danced the night away at the Great Western Hotel have raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The evening held last Saturday, at the hotel opposite the train station, saw 80 people attend and £3,500 was raised for the Uplands Educational Trust. There was also music from the Damiain Lodrick Band and a raffle with dozens of prizes.

The management and staff of the GW have chosen Uplands Educational Trust as their charity of the year and are organising more events to raise even more cash.

“We were thrilled at the level of support we received from the business community on the night,” said general manager Gavin McKelvie.

“We raised £3,500 and are aiming to add another £1,500 in next few weeks. We had 80 people there and all the ticket prices went towards the final amount. The hotel looks forward to continuing to support UET with events later this year.

“A big thank you to our sponsors, both individual patrons of the GW and businesses including Arkell’s Brewery, The Bear Hotel Wantage, Zuidam, Richard James Estate Agents, Midland Food Group and Swindon Young Drivers.”

The hotel will be presenting the cheque in the next coming months to the trust, which provides education and learning opportunities for young people with special needs.