STARS In Your Eyes singer Gary Ryan helped make the Mayor's annual charity ball a huge success when he appeared as music legend Neil Diamond.

Mr Ryan was joined on stage by Bolton act Four for One who played a selection of songs dating from the 1960s to the present day for up to 300 guests.

The ball last Friday was hosted by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Prentice Howarth, at the Albert Halls and sponsored by the Emerson Group.

Tickets were sold out within hours of going on sale last month and guests paid up to £25 - or £200 for a sponsored table-of-six.

Guests enjoyed a five-course dinner and a disco.

Money raised will be donated to the Children's Opportunity Group, with a percentage also going to national children's charity Barnados and Bolton's women's refuge Fortalice.

Cllr Howarth said: "I really appreciate everyone's support, especially the Emerson Group and all the other companies who have been involved in the ball. I am really pleased that everyone has been able to support the mayoral charities this year."