A press ball organised by the Ipswich Evening Star has raised more than £40,000 for charity.

Around 330 guests gathered at the Hotel Elizabeth for the fundraising evening, with many donning masks for the Masquerade themed event.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover kicked off proceedings, making a dramatic entrance in a Phantom of the Opera-style cape and mask, and guests were then entertained by comedian Bobby Davro.

All those there on the night had helped raise cash for Suffolk charity Disability Care Enterprise by buying a ticket, and the coffers were boosted further with an auction, tombola and car give-away, bringing the total on the night to £43,000.

Nigel said: “We held the first press ball ten years ago and decided to raise money for Disability Care Enterprise. We raised £3,000 and it was a fairly modest event with 150 people, but we had a good time and every year we have built on it.

“After nine years we had raised £217,000 and so we aimed to raised £33,000 to make it up to £250,000, but we smashed this by £10,000.

“It was a fabulous night and a good time was had by all.”

Proceeds from the evening will be distributed through Disability Care Enterprise and will benefit local children, buying equipment such as motorised wheelchairs.