CAMPAIGNERS trying to save a historic cinema in Ringwood have celebrated a successful charity evening.

The David Lloyd Club in Ringwood hosted the Ringwood Regal group's fundraising black-tie event - the biggest event the group has held so far.

Dressed in their best, visitors were spoiled with a three-course meal provided by the David Lloyd staff.

Chairman of the group, Mike Tuck, said: "We can’t praise Scott Mackenzie and his team highly enough, the food was exceptionally good and they all worked very hard to make the evening a wonderful event."

One of the highlights of the evening was the auction which followed later in the evening.

A one-year platinum membership card for the club - worth around £1,200 - was one of the most coveted items up for grabs.

Hays Travel also donated a mini-cruise on P&O Ventura, leaving from Southampton docks.

Many of the town's restaurants also donated meals for between two to four people. There were driving lessons available, a chauffeur-driven ride in a vintage car as well as a trip in a replica of the iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, donated by Stuart Wallis of New Forest Metalwork.

The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne also donated several pairs of cinema tickets - which were eagerly snapped up - and a weekend at the Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge was also a hit with the bidders.

The final lot was a signed Saints football shirt from the cup final against Manchester United.

Visitors were also treated to some unique entertainment from Phil Lowen during the evening.

Mr Tuck added: "We thank everyone for their donations and also the bidders who together raised almost £3,600 in one evening.

"It was, without doubt, another tremendous display of local support for our project to bring live entertainment and cinema back to the town centre. It follows hot on the heels of our success with the Waitrose green disc scheme, where we raised £660, one of the biggest amounts ever donated by Waitrose.

"This event was organised by the Ringwood Regal Committee, admirably led by Helen Foot, assisted by her husband Michael. Thank you Helen."