RECENT ballet shows at the Airdrie Town Hall have raised more than £10,000 for charity.

The Guide Dogs received a cheque for £11,244.46 after the performances.

The two shows featured Royal Ballet principal dancer Reece Clarke returning to his hometown of Airdrie for special performances on the stage where he first performed at the age of four.

The money was raised through ticket sales and collections.

North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy presented the cheque to representatives of the charity.

(Image: North Lanarkshire Council) He said: "It’s heart-warming to see so many people come together to support a cause that makes a real difference in people's lives.

"Reece Clarke’s return to his hometown was an outstanding success and I hope that this donation to Guide Dogs will help ensure that more individuals can enjoy the freedom and confidence that a guide dog provides."

Before the shows, Reece visited Airdrie Academy to talk about his career and give pupils a ballet lesson.

The events were staged in a collaboration with North Lanarkshire Council and Airdrie-based food company Albert Bartlett, who have a long-standing relationship with the Clarke family.

(Image: North Lanarkshire Council)

Sandi Johnson, community fundraising manager at Guide Dogs, said: "We are extremely grateful to be the charity beneficiary of Reece Clarke’s homecoming performances at Airdrie Town Hall at the end of August.

"Guide Dogs relies almost entirely on donations from the public to provide our life-changing services, supporting adults, children and young people with sight loss.

"Demand for our services has never been higher, so we would like to say a huge thank you to Reece, his Royal Ballet colleagues and to North Lanarkshire Council, who have given Guide Dogs this incredible opportunity to be part of such a special event."