The 2010 St Mary's College Summer Ball has once again proved to be one of the highlights of the school social calendar.

Around 170 guests attended this year's event which was held on Saturday in the Princess Royal Stand at Aintree Racecourse.

The organisers - Celia Thomas, Gill Ruane and Meg Dilworth of St Mary's Parents' Association - said they were delighted with the turnout bearing in mind the rival attraction of the England-USA World Cup game on the same evening.

Guests enjoyed an excellent three-course meal followed by raffles and auctions which are expected to have raised several thousand pounds to support the association's work. 

Auction items including a jacket signed by Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and a shirt signed by the Everton team.

High-quality musical entertainment was provided during the evening by the St Mary's College Stage Band and the school's String Quartet.

Parents' Association Vice Chair, Celia Thomas, commented: "The Summer Ball turned out to be a fabulous evening and everyone I spoke to was saying what a great time they'd had.

"I'd like to thank everyone who was involved in organising the dinner, the young musicians who performed during the evening and the other students who helped out on the night and, of course, everyone who supported the event by buying tickets and attending."

Organisers Celia Thomas (right) and Gill Ruane are pictured with toastmaster John Nelson and students Katie O'Malley (left) and Jessica Taylor who helped out at the event.

St Mary's Principal Mike Kennedy (right) and Catherine Kennedy (second left) chat to parents Sue and Tony Houghton.

St Mary's Head of Sixth Form Daniel Magill with Head Girl Alexandra Formela and Head Boy Timothy Old.

St Mary's Head of Chemistry Linda Clark (centre) with Principal's PA Michelle Marchbank and Librarian Cath Howard.