A gala dinner and auction raised more than £10,000 towards renovation work at a St Albans school.

St Peter’s School in Cottonmill Lane hosted the fundraising event at Sopwell House, wth family-run estate agent Martn & Co acting as headline sponsor.

The evening proved a huge success, raising more than £10,000 from donations and auction sales, which will go towards renovating the school, creating new classrooms and new reading corners.

Bids were placed for experiences, such as a pair of Wimbledon Debenture tickets, private gin tasting and a night at the Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa.

Principal of Martin & Co, Richard Cleal, told the Herts Advertiser: “We were delighted that our sponsorship helped raise awareness prior to this worthwhile event. As a high profile local business it is important [for us] to support our local community.”