MORE than 200 guests sat down to the Mayor's £40-a-head Charity Banquet last night - an event this year fraught with problems.

Mayor Allah Ditta wanted to crown his mayoral year with the high-profile event in support of his three nominated charities, Acorns, St Richards Hospice and Worcestershire Volunteers.

But until just a few weeks ago, stringent fire regulations had forced inspectors to limit numbers using the Guildhall's upstairs Ballroom to just a hundred - under half the amount hoped for.

However, as a last-ditch hope, Coun Ditta called on Thomas Vale MD Tony Hyde to see if there was any way he could intervene to bring works forward in time for the charity bash.

The Stourport-based construction boss agreed to this and a full banquet was able to take place.

"I won't pretend otherwise - this really had me worried," said the Mayor.