WHEN estate agents Hunters of York, Harrogate, Wetherby and Leeds, organised their first charity ball in October, they set themselves a target of £4,000.

But it was such a success that they raised nearly £7,000, which has now been shared between St Leonard's Hospice and Martin House Hospice.

The ball, held at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, raised a total of £6,755 through sponsorship, an auction and a raffle on the night. Director Kevin Hollinrake presented a cheque for £3,377.57 to Rachel Semlyen, of St Leonard's Hospice.

Rachel said: "The hospice is very grateful to the staff of Hunters who worked so hard organising the ball and to all who gave so generously. St Leonard's cares for local people from the whole area and is largely funded by events and donations, every one of which is so important."

Mr Hollinrake said: "It was a wonderful event and raising so much for charity was a real bonus. We look forward to making it an annual event."

The remaining amount went to boost the Martin House A Place For Us appeal.

Maureen Burns, of Martin House, was delighted to receive the cheque on behalf of the children, young people and families who visit Martin House and thanked the team for their valuable support.

Meanwhile, bowlers raised £2,394 for St Leonard's at the annual bowling competition at the Megabowl, at Clifton Moor, York. It attracted teams from businesses in the city, and this year's winning team nominated the hospice to receive the prize money. The competition was organised by chartered accountants Hunter Gee and Holroyd, of Museum Street, York.

Updated: 10:30 Saturday, December 29, 2001