Some £64,000 has been raised for the Aberdeen-based cancer charity Friends of Anchor, through North-east farmers’ co-operative ANM Group, at an event staged for the 30-year anniversary of Thainstone Centre, last weekend.

The event which included a drinks reception, four-course meal and ceilidh band, attracted 430 people, and the charity, which saw a top price of £8000 paid for ‘The Roup’ a painting by well-known Deeside artist, Howard Butterworth.

A record price was paid for a bag of 'neeps' donated from Ross Bros, Wardhead, Strichen, when they sold for £500 to the Duxbury family of Rapid Project Development (RPD), Rothienorman.

Two members of ANM staff were also presented long service awards – John Angus, head of livestock at ANM, was recognised for 40 years service and Ian Beaton, ANM Group accountant, for 50 years.

Winner of the heads and tails game was Libby Laing from Sauchen, who is donating her £500 cash prize towards expenses and the MS Society UK, when she runs the London Marathon in April in aid of the charity.

Jim Milne, chairman of Friends of Anchor, said: “The ANM anniversary event was a spectacular affair. We were delighted to be the chosen charity for such a special occasion, and it was quite something to witness the generosity in the room on the evening, with a phenomenal sum raised.

“We’re grateful for every penny donated – all of which will go directly to the cause, as the running costs of the charity are covered by Balmoral Group. The ANM team should be very proud of themselves indeed, what a superb way to mark the 30th anniversary of a firm that’s at the heart of the farming and agricultural community in Aberdeenshire.”