SATURDAY'S 4-1 defeat at Bristol City wasn't allowed to spoil a superb night when Bury FC held their 16th Grand Gala Dinner Dance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Manchester

An amazing £15,000, a record for the annual event, was raised on the night with 380 people in attendance.

The event was sponsored by director Fred Mason of Bee Mouldings and the night's raffle alone raised almost £10,000.

Auctioned items included a Fabian Barthez soccer shirt which raised £1,000, Phil Neville donated an England shirt signed by the team that played in the final Wembley international against Germany (£2,100) while kit manufacturers Diadora put up a holiday in Venice which raised £1,000.

"The event was another great success," said Shakers commercial director Neville Neville. "Everyone had a fantastic time and we've raised some much needed cash that will help keep the club running until a takeover is in place.

"It just shows how much help the club is getting from it's sponsors and true supporters.

"Everyone rallied round and the manager Andy Preece, his assistant Steve Redmond and chairman Terry Robinson received a very warm welcome on the night."

The Shakers have a number of fund raising evening lined up in the future and club officials are hoping they will be equally well supported in order keep the club running through a most difficult period.