Gloucestershire businesses gathered together and raised £14,792 in one night for the Chamwell Centre charity, helping the special needs fund-raising project a step closer to its £5 million target.

Bovis Homes, which has its Western office based in Bishop's Cleeve, brought together many of its contractors at Cheltenham Ladies College for a special charity ball to celebrate their partnerships and to raise funds.

"We were delighted to bring together our partners from across Gloucestershire and further afield for this great cause," says Bovis Homes' Western managing director, Supriya Ray.

"We work with a range of local organisations, from small businesses to larger companies, and have been building relationships with many of them over a number of years. It was a pleasure to welcome them all to the ball.

"The Chamwell Centre is a hugely significant project in Gloucestershire. This much-needed new amenity will change the lives for many people from across the county and beyond and we are proud to be supporting it."

The event welcomed representatives from local businesses across Gloucestershire including Clarkson Evans, Mike Etheridge Construction, Edgeworth, Altitude Scaffolding Access and Co, Prodec SouthWest and Blenheim Brickwork.

The Chamwell Centre was set up in 2015 to raise over £5 million to fund the building and operation of a state-of-the-art therapy facility, which would include the replacement of a 40-year-old hydrotherapy pool at The Milestone School in Gloucester. The centre will cater for both students at the school who have severe and complex special needs, as well as adults and young people with disabilities from around the country.

Marie Owen from the Chamwell Centre said: "The Chamwell Centre Charity are delighted to receive this wonderful donation of £14,792. It is helping to bring us closer to our goal of building a £5.1 million centre for therapy, sports, leisure and life opportunities for those with severe and complex needs.

"Already we have raised £3.6million and construction work is just beginning. We hope that the centre will open its doors in early 2020 but for that to become a reality we need to raise a further £1.5 million.

"Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, such as Bovis Homes, the dream for all the wonderful pupils of Milestone, as well as those further afield, is now becoming a reality. Our very sincere thanks go to all those who were involved in the Bovis Homes Contractors Ball."

The ball featured an auction, with local auctioneer Rob York, and a raffle, which included a range of items donated to the event by a variety of businesses, with prizes including a weekend break at Lake Windemere, a private dining experience, champagne and a four-ball round at Celtic Manor Resort.

"We are thrilled with the final amount raised and we'd like to thank all those who supported the event by donating, bidding and attending it and making our first annual ball such a success." adds Supriya.

There was live music from The Chip Shop Boys, who were formed in Cheltenham, entertainment from local magician Kerry Scorah and a gin and whisky bar provided by the Cotswold Bar Company.