A NIGHT at the races for Spenstock 6 raised hundreds of pounds to battle Motor Neurone Disease in Dorset.

Ladies dressed to impress, with hats, fascinators and posh frocks, while men looked smart in their suits at the night at Weymouth Pavilion.

The event was organised by the family of former Balance of Power drummer, Spencer Bates, who battled MND and passed away in August, 2011, aged 49.

Spenstock events have raised thousands of pounds across the years to help people with the condition in the area.

At the Night at the Races event, everyone got into the spirit of the occasion.

Spencer’s mum Mary Bates said everyone had a wonderful time.

She said: “Everyone had a great night, lots of ladies made a real effort and wore their posh frocks and hats or fascinators.

“The gentlemen made a great effort too. Early on, two ladies arrived dressed as a horse and a zebra – to much laughter. Thank you ladies, your effort was much appreciated.”

She added: “There was a brisk business on the tombola stall, and draw. We had lots of lovely prizes donated by kind businesses. A big thank you to all of them.”

The racing got underway and everyone had fun placing their bets and by the end of the night they had raised £975 for MND Association West Dorset.

The night was rounded off by a cabaret from Nick Baron, who sang hits from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, among others.

Mary said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped or who came along and supported us for all three of our fundraisers – including one gentleman who donated £50, who has MND himself and also came along to the race night.

“There are a lot of people in West Dorset who will be helped, due to your efforts.”

There was also an evening of mediumship with Bernie Scott at Weymouth fire station.

Mary said that despite only 15 tickets being sold, they had a wonderful evening and raised £30 on the prize draw.

The money raised will be added to the total and include the funds raised by Spencer’s son Samuel and his friends on their recent walk for MND Association.

The group walked from Weymouth Pavilion to Preston and back last month and raised more than £1,090.