DISTINGUISHED guests dressed for the part as they assembled for an annual dinner dance on Saturday evening at the Vale Golf Club in Bishampton.

Around 120 dignitaries from the world of local government enjoyed the event held by chairman of Wychavon Jean Dowty in aid of her two charities of the year. The beneficiaries were the County Air Ambulance and St Richards Hospice, both of which were represented.

Among the civic guests was the leader of Cotswold District Council Lynden Stowe, the Mayor and Mayoress of Worcester Ian and Joan Imray, chairman of Stratford Disrtict Council Mike Brain, and the mayor of Evesham Jo Sandalls who was accompanied by her consort Robert Raphael.

Cllr Dowty said she had enjoyed her tenure as chairman of Wychavon very much but was looking forward to a rest.

She said: "It went very well and I hope everybody had an enjoyable evening. We had a super band and there was a wonderful atmosphere."

Cllr Dowty added: "My experiences have definitely been more good than bad. Trying to pick out one thing in particular is difficult but I have had a lot of fun and met a lot of interesting people en route.

It has been a very hectic year in my personal life as well as in this role.

"But I will be happy to have a bit of a rest."

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