The 2010 CAT Awards Ceremony has raised £842 for BEN, the charity dedicated to the UK's automotive and related industries.

The 2010 event was the first time that the awards ceremony was held as an event in its own right and over 100 aftermarket business leaders attended to see eight awards presented, of which six were decided by CAT readers.

Jim Foster, CAT's Publisher, commented: "The charitable contribution to BEN was definitely one of the highlights: for the Awards to raise nearly £850 was magnificent, especially seeing as none of the invited attendees knew in advance that donation envelopes would be on their tables. Next year we plan to crack the £1000 barrier!"

Emma Butcher, CAT's Editor, added: "CAT is delighted to help BEN in every way we can - and in the future all our Awards ceremonies will strive to do just that. We'd therefore like to thank everyone at the Awards who donated. It is very much appreciated. The independent aftermarket is a significant beneficiary of BEN's amazing work and I know the trade is always keen to give its support."

Charles Davis, BEN's Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: "Our sincere thanks to all the aftermarket leaders who dug deep at the event for BEN and to CAT for remembering all our industry colleagues who need BEN's help on the magazine's big day. Congratulations to CAT and all the award winners and a huge thank you from all at BEN and those we help for your ongoing generosity and exceptional levels of support."