Mayor has a ball!

DIGNITARIES have gathered in Burton for the Mayor of East Staffordshire's annual ball.

More than 100 people attended the black tie event at Burton Town Hall on Friday night.

Mayor Geoff Morrison and his consort, wife Pauline Morrison, danced the night away while collecting cash for their civic charities. But Councillor Morrison's night did not end when the ball finished at 1am.

He swapped his tuxedo for more modest attire and travelled across town to join 100 volunteers taking part in the YMCA and Burton Mail sleep-out at Burton Rugby Club.

Attendees at the civic ball contributed £275 as Councillor Morrison collected sponsorship for the sleep-out, while music from renowned swing band Todd Miller and The Joe Loss Orchestra kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening.

The band, still boasting two members from its original line-up, played a host of hits from the 50s to the 'noughties.

Councillor Morrison said: "The might went brilliantly; it's a celebration of the borough copuncil and the fact that we're here.

"The band were really excellent and they can certainly knock out a good tune.

"It was certainly a night of contrast for me but I was delighted to take part in the sleep-over.

"When I got down there I saw all those volunteers and there was a lovely atmosphere; I was delighted to stay.

"At the ball, it was lovely that mayors and mayoresses from other local authorities should be there.

"Dignitaries were there from Newcastle, Staffordshire Moorlands and South Derbyshire.

"It's a wonderful chance to try to build bridges with people,"