Residents of Helston have already benefitted from this year’s Hallowe’en Masked Ball, before the event has even taken place.

While guests of the Mayor’s Charity Ball will be raising money at the Old Cattle Market this Saturday, revellers at the Masked Ball at Flambards tourist attraction will be dancing to a similar tune – thanks to a £2,000 donation from the event organisers.

The annual Mayor’s Charity Ball is the main fundraising event for the Mayor’s Charity Fund.

This year’s mayor, Mike Thomas, has chosen to support the League of Friends of Helston Community Hospital and a new Mayor’s Fund for Enterprising and Deserving Young People.

Mr Thomas said: “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and am really pleased that the organisers of the Masked Ball have chosen to support the town in this way. We usually raise about £1,500 at the Mayor’s Charity Ball, so this donation will more than double what we normally raise.”

Masked Ball director Kelvin Batt said: “It’s great for the Masked Ball to be in the position to be able to give a little bit back to Helston. With every ball, we aim to support local charities.

“We were so pleased to be able to keep the Hallowe’en Masked Ball local and hope the influx of the guests will be a good thing for Helston.

“We’ve had so much help from the local authorities and local businesses, and this is our way of saying thanks.”

Tickets for the Hallowe’en Masked Ball, which this year is themed on the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, have already sold out and those lucky enough to have tickets will be able to dance the night away to more than 60 bands and artistes, in 13 decorated and themed arenas.

“As always, we try to use the services of as many local businesses as possible as well as showcasing local talent,” added Kelvin.

The League of Friends of Helston Community Hospital helps provide extra facilities for patients at the hospital, some of whom spend extended periods of time in care, to make their lives more comfortable.

The new Mayor’s Fund for Enterprising and Deserving Young People will help young people in Helston to pursue their interests and worthwhile endeavours – and grants have already started to be made.

Examples include a Helston Community College pupil who needed funds for a musical instrument to further her progression, and another young person in Helston needed financial help to embark on a mission to help disadvantaged children overseas.

Tickets for the Mayor’s Charity Ball are still available, with the event at the Old Cattle Market starting 7.15pm on Saturday, November 1. Tickets, available from the Guildhall, cost £26, which includes a drinks reception, charity auction, a raffle plus live music from The Gambler followed by a disco.