CHART-topping band A1, former mer Pop Idol Aaron Bayley and Byker Grove actors were among the stars at a charity ball.

The fifth Northern Rainbow Ball, in aid of the Rainbow Trust charity, which supports children with terminal and life threatening illnesses, was held at the Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel, in Newcastle.

It sold out months in advance, and raised nearly £70,000 on the evening, which included a champagne reception, dinner, a special live set from A1, an auction, a raffle and dancing.

Byker Grove's Vicki Hawkins and Andrew Hayden Smith introduced A1, and former Heartbeat actor Mike Partridge was the auctioneer, urging people to bid for items including a starring role in Viz and an Almera Twister car.

Aaron Bayley drew the raffle for prizes such as an overnight stay at the London Metropolitan Hotel and a hot air balloon flight.

A film was shown highlighting the Rainbow Trust's work through Lisa and Gary Clark, who lost their three-year-old daughter Mia.

A1's Mark said: "Rainbow Trust is really special to us. The trust is our charity and we really want to be involved and help whenever we can."

Ben said: "We want to go to Rainbow Fernstone to meet the families and hope to visit Rainbow House again.