A riding for the disabled group is to benefit following the throwing of a party by a local law firm.

Three hundred guests attended the festive night out in St Peter’s Church, Sudbury, with an adult choir leading carols and a school swing band providing further entertainment.

The event was staged by solicitors Bates Wells and Braithwaite for clients and friends of the company, which is the largest law practice in the town.

Members of Sudbury Choral Society and students from Sudbury Upper School performed for the guests in the redundant town centre church.

During the evening a collection was made for the Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding, with £415 raised for the organisation based near Hadleigh.

The centre, which is affiliated to the Riding for the Disabled Association, caters for people suffering from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, downs syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cancer, accident victims and those with learning difficulties or behavioural problems.

Established since 1989, the full-time venture relies heavily on voluntary workers, and costs £52,000 a year to run.

This press release and attached picture of Sudbury Upper School Swing Band is issued on behalf of Bates Wells and Braithwaite telephone 01787-880440.