A CHARITY Indian Gala Night was held by a Warminster School Sixth Former last month to raise funds for terminal ill children in Dorset and Wiltshire through Julia’s House.

Ela Hartley organised the event at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster where more than 100 guests enjoyed an Indian buffet and entertainment.

She said: “I am honoured that my event exceeded all expectations and raised an amazing amount of money for such a worthwhile cause. I'm so grateful for the generosity and support I received from everyone.”

Colonel James Denny MBE, Tidworth Garrison Commander and an ambassador for Julia’s House was a guest of honour and Bhangracise and Mumtaz Dance Group performed at the event.

Julia’s House already provide community care in Wiltshire but plan to build the first children’s hospice in Wiltshire by 2017 in Devizes.

Headmaster at Warminster School, Mark Mortimer, said: “It was a super evening and a great advertisement for the EPQ qualification.

“In putting on the evening, Ela demonstrated admirable organisational skills and powers of persuasion, as well as self-confidence, initiative and service to others.

“She is an impressive young woman and a fine ambassador for the school. The food, the entertainment, the atmosphere and the company was so good that I even forgot that the evening clashed with the opening game of the Rugby World Cup; I can’t give it stronger praise than that.”