THE owners of a luxury pet hotel threw a Christmas ball to raise nearly £10,000 for Little Havens Hospice.

More than 200 guests attended the event, at Stock Brook Manor, in Billericay, to enjoy a three-course festive dinner and live music from Essexbased singer Joe Fryd and X Factor star Sam Callahan.

Organisers Hayley Dexter, 37, and her cousin Tracey Rust, 39, who run Essex Pooch Palace, also put on a charity auction and raffle with prizes including a holiday to St Lucia, a Louis Vuitton handbag and a Pandora bracelet.

The pair have been loyal supporters of Little Havens, in Thundersley, since April 2013 when they paid the hospice, which cares for seriously ill youngsters, a visit.

Mrs Rust said: “I am overwhelmed at what an incredible night it turned out to be and everyone really had loads of fun and it got us in the festive spirit. I would like to thank each and every person who made the night possible and for all my amazing supportive customers who attended and came from all over the country.

“I am looking to put on this event each year and it will always be in aid of Little Havens Hospice, which is an amazing charity and one that will remain close to my heart.”

The pair also held a ball in December 2013 and a tea party for dogs in September 2014.

The Pooch Palace, off Pound Lane, Wickford, was the first of its kind when it opened three years ago and has attracted customers from as far away as Scotland and Cornwall.

It features a disco-themed spa and ten luxury pods complete with chandeliers, televisions, and sofas.

Claire Southgate, events fundraiser for Little Havens: said “I want to say thank you to Tracey and Hayley for organising once again another very successful fundraising event. I am amazed they still find time to put on such great events in aid of the hospice, while continuing to run the business. It was an incredible evening and I also wish to thank those who supported and attended the Christmas Ball.

“At Little Havens we help by controlling pain and medication, offering respite and caring for children at the end of their lives. We never charge a penny for this care and simply couldn’t do that without the support of businesses like Essex Pooch Palace.”