It might have looked just like the almighty party that it was, but the Gloucestershire Hauliers Ball also showed just how generous its members are.

Now the cash has been counted it has emerged that the black-tie event at Jury's Inn, Cheltenham, for hauliers from across the county raised £15 000.

Three charities close to the hearts of everyone in the room on the night are set to benefit - Pied Piper, National Star and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

Shaun Byard, of The Cullimore Group and a committee member of the association, said: "This year's Gloucestershire Hauliers Ball was a privilege to be part of. It was a real team effort by the whole committee and the fact we've raised such a vast sum of money for three incredible charities speaks volumes.

"As a committee, we were keen to help local charities in Gloucestershire, which all do outstanding work, but also make it a night for the guests to have a fun evening for these great causes. We're grateful to everyone who has helped through donating auction prizes and buying tables, and to the charities themselves for raising the profile of the event itself."

Attendees also included representatives from major truck manufacturers such as Volvo and Scania, alongside the region's most recognisable haulage names.

The ball was organised by the Gloucestershire Hauliers Social Committee - a collective of representatives from firms including The Cullimore Group, C M Downton, truck insurance specialist M R Ratcliffe, and Stroud consultancy firm All Things Transport - and was supported by the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

The Ball also held an auction, which itself raised more than £12 000, with prizes ranging from Formula 1 Grand Prix tickets and golf days, to hotel breaks and meals.

It is the eighth such ball, an annual bash which has now raised more than £60 000 for charitable causes.

Gloucester Rugby players, Henry Trinder and Charlie Sharples (see top image), along with Dr Dawn from television's Embarrassing Bodies, also attended.