Tickets continue to be snapped up for Lord Mayor of York's Valentine’s Ball

Coun Sue Galloway’s fundraising committee has worked tirelessly since she took over mayoral duties last May, staging a host of events in aid of the British Heart Foundation and York-based mental health charity Our Celebration.

Its first fundraising event raised more than £2,300 for her chosen charities, as 170 guests tucked into a Nepalese feast cooked by Gurkha chefs based at Imphal Barracks.

Since then, events have included a wine tasting evening at the Mansion House, raising £1,200, a talk by one of York’s most famous craftsman, Dick Reid, bringing in £400, and a gourmet tasting evening organised by students at York College, raising £750 for the charities.

Last month, another £1,000 was added to the fund thanks to an exclusive shopping event at Brown’s of York, supported by The Press.

Coun Galloway said: “The charity committee has been working really, really hard to put on some fantastic events for the people of York and the surrounding area to enjoy. It has been absolutely amazing.”

Tickets are still available for a Valentine’s Ball, which will be held in the Voltigeur Suite at York Racecourse on February 12.

Guests will be treated to a drinks reception and four-course meal, followed by live entertainment from the York party band Huge. Other attractions will include an auction, casino and raffle.

Ian Savage, a member of the fundraising committee, said: “This will be a fantastic event, and with a Valentine’s theme it is particularly fitting that one of the charities is the British Heart Foundation.”

Tickets cost £59 and are available individually, or in tables of ten, and can be bought from the Civic Office at York Guildhall on 01904 551011.

Meanwhile, families are invited to a treasure hunt around York city centre on January 29 and 30, organised by the Association of Voluntary Guides.

Entry costs £5 per team.

For more information, phone the Civic Office on the above number.