MORE than £800 was raised at Whalley Chamber of Trade's annual dinner at Mytton Fold Country House Hotel, Langho.

The chamber of trade is a relatively new group, being formed some seven years ago, but it has the full backing of the businesses in Whalley and more than 200 guest attended the dinner.

The dinner was hosted by Coun Joyce Holgate, who introduced guests including Ribble Valley Mayor and Mayoress, Coun Chris Holtom and Dorothy Shaw, Ribble Valley Council chief executive David Morris and presidents of other chambers of trade from Clitheroe, Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington and Bury.

The money raised will buy a new strip for Whalley junior football team and the remainder will be shared between local charities.

Meanwhile, the Clitheroe Chamber of Trade's annual dinner dance, which is normally a sell-out event, is to be held at the Moorcock Inn, Waddington.

The group decided to hold the dinner on Saturday, February 17, instead of the usual pre-Christmas date, and incorporate it with Valentines Day.

The move to a different date was deemed the sensible answer as traders involved in the group, particularly those organising the event, selling raffle tickets and collecting prizes, were usually very busy in the weeks up to Christmas.

Again, other chamber and council heads have been invited to attend the formal event.