A CHARITY ball which was staged at a museum has paved the way for more events of its kind.

Sedgefield Borough Council's annual Mayor's ball was such a success that bosses at Locomotion: National Railway Museum, in Shildon, are hoping to promote the facility as a venue for private functions.

Some of the finest railway engines in the national collection provided the backdrop for the event on Saturday night, which was held to boost funds for The Butterwick Hospice.

More than 220 people danced the night away surrounded by national treasures, including the famous Deltic engine from the 1950s, after tucking into a five-course meal.

Museum boss George Muirhead said that the event had proved to be a fantastic occasion. He said: "We are already taking bookings from local groups and organisations who are wanting to use the museum for events and functions."