A spellbinding press ball organised by the Evening Star in Ipswich has raised a massive £31,000 for Suffolk charity Disability Care Enterprise.

More than 300 guests gathered for the event at the Hotel Elizabeth in Copdock, which this year had a magical Harry Potter theme.

And after a drinks reception guests were transported through the enchanting platform nine and three-quarters tunnel to the banquet hall, where they rubbed shoulders with lookalikes of Harry himself, the loveable Hagrid and wise professor Dumbledore.

Editor Nigel with his ‘potty’ friends

Host for the evening was Nigel Pickover, editor of the Archant-owned Evening Star, who made his grand entrance on a broomstick, and guests were kept entertained with a casino and music from Queen tribute band Queen Bee and First Inversion.

The fundraising effort was also boosted by a grand auction, with lots including a framed Harry Potter movie poster signed by the cast.

Also up for grabs was a VIP backstage visit to boy band Westlife’s Ipswich concert – which raised £2,000 – and the chance to play a match on the hallowed turf of Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road while captained by an Ipswich legend, which raised £3,300.

Editor Nigel said the original fundraising target for the evening had been £20,000, but that total had been smashed with £31,000 raised on the night.

He said: “We are astonished we have gone so far above our total.

“We thought it would be a struggle to reach £20,000 but thanks to the kindness of the people of Suffolk we have beaten £30,000. The money will be spent on some very special people.”

The charity, which helps people with disabilities, plans to use the money raised to buy equipment such as specialist wheelchairs and computers.