A DISTINGUISHED crowd helped raise more than �22,000 at a glamorous Hatfield House black tie do

The Countess of Verulam, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and Henry and Martha Lytton Cobbold of Knebworth House were among guests who enjoyed fine music, delightful food and a once-in-a-lifetime auction during the A Night at the Palace evening.

Held at the Old Palace, the night raised funds for Hertfordshire Community Foundation, the Fiddle Bridge Lane charity which aims to tackle deprivation in the county and to date is the largest non-statutory grant giver in the county.

The evening was also attended by Lord and Lady Charles Cecil, Sir Simon Bowes Lyon KCVO, Caroline Bowes Lyon, the Rt Rev George Stack, an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

It featured performances from the best Harpenden Music Foundation could offer, as well as a bumper auction with treats including one week’s accommodation in mansions across Europe, tours to stately homes across Hertfordshire, a Brocket Hall golf day and a family ticket to a Saracens home match.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation’s chairman, J Stuart Lewis DL said: “We were absolutely thrilled with the success of the evening, particularly in these current uncertain economic times, and would like to thank everyone involved in helping to make it such a fantastic night.

“We rely heavily on local people and companies to support the work of the Foundation in tackling need and deprivation in the county, increasingly needed now.”

For more information call 01707 251351.