GLAMOROUS guests helped to raise over £30,000 for Ardgowan Hospice at the charity's star studded ball.

Bow ties and ball gowns were the dress code of choice for the fabulous fundraisers who gathered under the fairy lights at Greenock Town Hall on Saturday for the hospice's glittering 30th pearl ball.

Among the guests were hospice patrons Greenock actor Martin Compston and Celtic and Scotland footballer Greg Taylor.

The pair even helped to raise £520 on the night by signing a bottle of hand sanitiser and auctioning it off as the area braces itself for the impact of the coronavirus.

Hosted by broadcaster and comedian Des Clarke, the stylish soiree kicked off with a sparkling reception before guests tucked into a mouthwatering three-course meal.

The electric atmosphere continued throughout the evening before a hush fell over the hall for the silent and live auctions.

Thanks to the generosity of the guests, the auctions alone raised over £10k - with prizes including a getaway for two at Gleneagles plus use of a BMW i8 which was donated by Arnold Clark.

The humble bottle of hand sanitiser was the final lot and helped to push the total raised from both auctions to over £11,000 – smashing the total raised at last year’s auction.

Hospice chief executive Linda McEnhill, said the ball raised a grand total of £31,441.

She said: "I’m delighted that this year’s ball has been such a success in raising a fantastic amount of money at the auction and the money raised will help us support patients in need with life-limiting illness across Inverclyde."

Russell Borrie, who is the Arnold Clark Group franchise director, said they were honoured to support the ball.

He said: "It was a great night and we’re thrilled the auction raised so much money for vital care in Inverclyde.

"Arnold Clark is proud to be able to support this event and will continue to do so in future."

Guests also enjoyed games, live music and a raffle before taking to the dancefloor to end the evening with a well deserved boogie.

The hospice has thanked all supporters especially Arnold Clark and The Exchange in Greenock who sponsored the big screen on the night.

Photos by Andy Stark at Stark Images