A GROUP of gangsters and their molls raised thousands of pounds for charity this weekend.

Volunteers and supporters of St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, enjoyed themselves at the fifth annual hospice fundraising ball, on Saturday night.

The Speakeasy-themed ball attracted people from businesses and organisations across Darlington to raise money for the hospice's work.

More than £10,000 was raised during the evening, which included a raffle with hundreds of prizes and a performance by a swing-dance band.

The ball was held at the Beehive Ballroom, at Lingfield Point, which was reopened for one night only for the event.