MYSTERIOUS masked revellers helped to raise £14,000 for the NSPCC as a glamourous party made a return to Swindon’s social calendar.

TV celebrity Martin Roberts from Homes Under the Hammer acted as master of ceremonies at the glittering event at the Hilton Hotel in Great Western Way, which featured fundraising auctions as well as dinner, dancing and entertainment.

The charity Ball has not been held for two years but before that it was a highlight for two decades.

Alan Fletcher, chairman of Swindon Business Cares For Children, has organised Swindon NSPCC Balls for the past 20 years.

“It was wonderful to be able to hand over such a large amount of money at the NSPCC’s Swindon Service Centre,” he said.

“Every penny will go towards helping this charity fight for each and every childhood. It really does make a difference.”

He said: “It was a terrific evening, held in a new venue, and it was brilliant to see everyone having a fantastic time in aid of such a worthwhile cause.

“I would like to thank those who came on the night, as well as all the people and businesses who helped make it the success it was. Without them, it would have been impossible to organise.

Staff from the West Swindon branch of Barclays got into the swing of things, managing to secure a £5,000 donation from their employer as well as helping out on the big night.

Branch manager Rowena Mawle, said: “Alongside our Shared Growth Ambition, Barclays has a fantastic colleague community programme that encourages employees to get involved in the causes we care about.

“It’s about giving back our skills, time and energy to support our local communities so we’re thrilled to have raised this money.”

She added: “We were delighted with the amount raised for the NSPCC and would like to thank everyone who supported us to make this happen. “

The NSPCC has a centre off Albert Street in Swindon that offers a range of services from helping the children of people with drug and alcohol problems to dealing with women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. It also provides support for expectant parents at risk to depression and offers therapy for child victims of sex abuse.

The evening on June 18 was also backed by Jeremy Holt, of Clark Holt Solicitors, Dave Collett’s PG Events and Nationwide Bank.