UNIVERSITY students have been congratulated for hosting a sell-out ball - all in aid of charity.

Creative Events Management undergraduates from the Arts University Bournemouth arranged 'one of the best balls in ages' in connection with the Marsham Court Hotel.

The budding event organisers arranged everything from compiling the guest list and sending out the invitations, to sourcing reception drinks, music and even the decorations - all with a tight budget of £450.

And yet they managed to raise £5,439 in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Students contacted the hotel - winner of this year's DCCI Business Engagement with Education award - offering to help co-ordinate the event after learning about the hotel's links with education.

Owner Rosie Wallace said: “The ball was a massive success in every way. The students helped to sell tickets, they provided a fabulous night of entertainment with a band, an auction and a disco and they smashed their fundraising target of £2,000 almost three times over.

"I’ve had people ringing me to say it was the best ball they’ve been to in ages.”

The Marsham Court received the coveted Dorset Business Award Engagement with Education award from sponsor Voip Unlimited for helping youngsters of all backgrounds and abilities enter the hospitality industry, earlier this year.

The family-run hotel, in Russell Cotes Road, also works with schools as part of the Hotel and Leisure Opportunities (HALO) scheme.

Student Holly Norman said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better business to work with on this project. Rosie and her whole team were amazing and we have all learned so much.”

Another student Abi Tudge added: “The ball exceeded all our expectations. People who had never met at the start of the night were on the dance floor together by the end of it and they were so generous. In addition to £10 from each of their tickets going to Cancer Research UK, they also bid for auction lots.

“We were absolutely bowled over by the end amount.”