A magical press ball orgainsed by the Evening Star in Ipswich has raised £22,000 for Suffolk charity Disability Care Enterprise.

More than 300 guests gathered for the event, where they were entertained by special guest Paul Daniels.

Using the theme ‘An Enchanted Evening’, the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball smashed its own target by £2,000 to raise £22,000, and the annual event has now raised more than £250,000 for charity in the past nine years.

Nigel Pickover, editor of the Archant Suffolk-owned Evening Star, said: “We are thrilled to bits. The amount raised has exceeded all expectations. DCE is an excellent cause and it has been a fantastic night to remember.”

As the night of fundraising began guests were ushered through a fantasy forest complete with fairies and foliage before enjoying a selection of delicious food and fine wines.

Guests then enjoyed a grand auction, which helped push up the fundraising total, with lots including jewellery, meals out, weekends away, and an exciting go-karting experience.

Paul Daniels then entertained guests with his own brand of magic as he performed a hilarious cabaret.

Paul said: “I have had a great night. Tonight has been very well organised and I have had great fun.”

The Evening Star Ball is one of the leading such events in the country and was brought to Ipswich by Nigel Pickover when he moved from the Evening Press in York.

“It came from nowhere nine years ago. Today it is one of the finest night of the year and we sell out every year at £1,000 a table.”