A glittering charity ball at one of Dorset's finest country houses will help prevent loneliness in older people.

Age UK Dorchester is celebrating after a successful Winter Charity Ball at Athelhampton House, the first event of its kind to be held by the charity.

A total of £4,200 was raised to help combat hardship and loneliness among older people, thanks to the generosity of the 120 guests attending.

Guests arrived dressed in their finery and were treated to an excellent dinner, followed by an auction and raffle. Entertainment was provided courtesy of the band D-State - who helped to make sure the dancing went on well into the evening.

Mark Hill from software company IMS MAXIMS sponsored the six auction prizes, whilst several local businesses provided support by donating to the raffle.

David Thorp, CEO of Age UK Dorchester said: “I would like to thank Mr Hill and all the local businesses that kindly donated to this event.

“Everybody had a wonderful evening and we raised much needed funds to allow us to continue to support older people.

“Our services are a lifeline for many in rural Dorset, but we receive no government funding for this work. We are reliant on donations from the public and the generosity of local businesses.”

Age UK Dorchester recently launched a campaign to raise awareness of its services, and to help make sure relatives and older people throughout the county know where to go for support, advice and company.

Mr Thorp added: “It is my ambition to make south, west and north Dorset great places in which to grow older.

"I believe that no one in our area should have to age on their own.

"Social contact and connecting to the community are a vital part of healthy and happy ageing.”