An inaugural Valentine’s Ball of Hope at Bournemouth’s Hilton Hotel raised a magnificent £20,000 – four times the amount expected – for a charity which helps the homeless.

Mploy Staffing Solutions hosted the black-tie evening which included a three-course dinner, a diamond auction and entertainment from Michael Buble tribute act, Chris Manning, alongside the Bublettes, pictured left.

The charity fundraiser was led by Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, pictured right, who acted as compere and auctioneer.

The organisers were hoping to raise £5,000 but ended up with four times that amount.

Hope Housing, Training and Support Ltd supports homeless and vulnerable adults into safe, supported accommodation.

Julie Berti, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Housing, took to the stage to tell stories of some of the people the charity has supported over the years.

As the evening drew to a close, Paul announced that the evening had raised just over £20,000 for the charity.

The news was greeted with cheering and applause.