The Mayor of St Albans hosted a Civic Banquet to raise a record-breaking £11,762 for addiction treatment charity, The Living Room.

More than 340 people joined the city’s Mayor Annie Brewster at the ball in Sopwell House on March 14 to raise more money for charity than any previous Civic Ball hosted by a Mayor of St Albans.

She paid tribute to the inspirational work and passion that so many people give to the district and thanked them for their contribution in making St Albans such a special place.

The Mayor said: "I am very grateful to everyone who contributed so generously, either by giving prizes and lots for the auction or by taking part in the fundraising activities. It is wonderful that so much money was raised for my Mayoral charity, The Living Room. It is such a worthy cause helping people come through addictions and providing much-needed support to their families."

Guests came from schools, colleges, retailers, businesses, churches, charities, sports clubs, visitor attractions and performing arts groups. They included bloggers, judges, councillors and council officers as well as many other residents.

The theme for this year’s Mayoral Ball was a ‘Hint of St Albans’ with guests encouraged to dress accordingly. There was an imaginative array of blue and gold, and the red Alban Rose was the centre piece to the table decorations.

The loyal toast was proposed by HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, the Countess of Verulam, and grace was said by Rev Richard Banham, the Mayor’s Chaplain.

Other guests included Fergus McMullen, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in nomination, Hon Peter Lilley MP, Commander Catherine Jordan from HMS St Albans, eleven Hertfordshire mayors and representatives of charities, voluntary groups and councils.

The event was supported by 220 Squadron (St Albans) Air Training Corps, St Albans Sea Cadets - TS St Albans. Fanfares were performed by members of the St Albans City Band. Music was provided by ‘Groove Chorus’ and Bazil Meade, founder of the London Gospel Community Chorus together with his recently launched St Albans Gospel Music Academy