STAFF, volunteers and supporters celebrated Bury Hospice’s 21st anniversary in style — despite torrential rain scuppering an event.

Organisers of Party In The Park were forced to postpone Sunday’s event when Close Park in Radcliffe flooded on Friday night.

But the celebrations were not a washout, as a glittering ball went ahead as planned on Saturday night at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.

More than 200 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and gala dinner, as well as entertainment by Tottington piper Freddie Bearn, the Yorkshire Volunteers Corps of Drummers and Prestwich’s musical theatre star, Abigail Finley, who shot to fame in the BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

They dug deep to raise £10,000 for the hospice during a raffle and auction. The prizes, which had been donated by local businesses, included a northern Europe cruise, a ½-carat diamond-set white gold heart and chain, theatre trips to Liverpool and London, signed shirts and footballs, and a holiday in the Algarve.

Jacqui Comber, hospice chief executive, said: “Saturday’s 21st anniversary ball was a fantastic success. It was great to see so many local people turn out and celebrate the fantastic work of Bury Hospice and give so generously.

“We are delighted to have raised more than £10,000. However, this is just the start of our 21st anniversary year and there will be further events planned as we build up to the grand opening of the new hospice in spring 2013.

“We can’t thank all of our supporters enough for their generosity. Saturday provided a fantastic start to our anniversary celebrations.”

She added: “Although it was bitterly disappointing that Party In The Park had to be cancelled on Sunday, I am pleased to announce that we are looking at the possibility of rescheduling the event for the August bank holiday weekend. As soon as we have a date set, we will be letting all of our supporters know.”