An amazing £30,000 was raised at the glittering ball at which the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can... Cancer Research Appeal reached its £1 million goal.

About 400 guests dressed in their best black tie outfits attended the glitzy Celebration Ball at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford in February.

They enjoyed a lavish meal followed by entertainment from a band at the event, which was sponsored by HSBC and Schofield Sweeney Solicitors.

The countdown to £1 million was boosted throughout the night by raffles and an auction, in which the top lot of a rugby weekend in London raised £900 after a fierce bidding war.

Gaming tables and pledges from the many individuals and businesses represented boosted the total even further.

At the ball, Bradford Can... appeal chairman Linda Pollard told guests: "Thanks a million. We said Bradford Can... now let's say Bradford did!"

A giant screen on the night showed how much money was still to be raised and glitter rained down on partygoers as the magic £1 million was announced.

Chris Schofield, of Schofield Sweeney Solicitors, said the firm was thrilled with the final figure. "We were very pleased with it because it exceeded our expectations. We are very grateful for everyone who came and supported the event."

Phillip Clark, manager of HSBC in Market Street, Bradford, paid tribute to the city's business people who gave tremendous support to the cause.

"We would like to say a big 'thank you' to the business community which has shown once again that its generosity knows no bounds in supporting a local initiative."

The £1 million raised will unlock another £5 million from Cancer Research UK to investigate cancer treatments in Bradford. The cash goes to help the work of scientists at Bradford University's Cancer Research Unit and clinical trials of new drugs at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Money raised for the Bradford Can... Appeal will still go towards cancer research in Bradford. To help, contact (01274) 235482.