A stately Suffolk retreat has handed over the proceeds of an annual fundraising celebration.

Paul Rous, of Bruisyard Hall, presented a cheque worth £4,915 to Christopher Hudson, who has supported military charity SSAFA during his county council chairmanship.

The wedding and function venue near Framlingham has hosted a charity ball for the last three years, raising £25,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, Suffolk Community Foundation, the Countryside Alliance and SSAFA.

Mr Rous said: “SSAFA is a very active and sometimes under appreciated charity which assists not only service men and women but also veterans and their families.”

Mr Hudson added: “I am delighted to have received this very generous donation from Bruisyard Hall and the Rous family. SSAFA, which is my chosen chairman’s charity, does so much for those whose primary role is the defence of our country.”

Bruisyard Hall will host a Halloween-themed ball on October 31, with the chosen local charity to be confirmed.