The Chatteris mayor’s charity ball has been cancelled at the last minute because of low ticket sales.

The prestigious three course meal event, with live musical entertainment, has been pulled prompting a promise from Mayor, Councillor James Carney, that he plans to hold a Spring fund raising curry night.

The ball should have been on Friday (19) to raise money for local charities.

Cllr Carney said: “Unfortunately, and with a heavy heart, we have had to cancel the 2016 Chatteris Mayor’s Charity Ball due to low ticket sales.

“It is a great shame as a lot of leg work has gone on behind the scenes to try and make this event a success like last year’s.

“However, I intend to hold an informal fund raising event later in the Spring again, with the sole intention of raising money for local causes.

“Thank you to all those who had bought a ticket for the ball - many apologies and your money will be refunded shortly.”

One person commenting on Facebook said that there are so many events at this time of year, none of which are very cheap, that with limited funds it means people have to choose very carefully and added that it in no way reflected on Cllr Carney.

They added: “Keep up the good work James.”

The ball was to be held at the Working Men’s Club in Station Street and had entertainment planned from the Pure Chance band and Katie Terry.

Menu choices were a beetroot and goats cheese salad or prawn cocktail to start followed by a choice of beef or butternut squash and blue cheese bake with a dessert choice of lemon posset or rich chocolate torte.

Tickets cost £33 for the black tie event.