A newspaper publisher has staged its inaugural press ball to raise money and awareness for several local charities.

Archant Norfolk hosted the fundraising event with the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust among the charities to benefit.

The Norfolk and Norwich Press Ball, which was hosted by the BBC’s TV and radio presenter David Whiteley at the Royal Norfolk Showground, included music from 1981 Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz.

Bucks Fizz entertained guests at the Norfolk and Norwich Press Ball

Eastern Daily Press editor Nigel Pickover attended the event and described it as a “stunning, magical evening”.

“I’m delighted and thrilled that we had such an exquisite inaugural press ball – three great charities will benefit. It is great that the Norfolk and Norwich community supported it so well,” he said.

Johnny Hustler, managing director of Archant Anglia, said: “It’s a superb event raising money for some fantastic causes. We’re so lucky to have had such support from Norwich and Norfolk businesses and the bidding in our auctions has been amazing.”

During the evening, people were able to bid for prizes in a silent auction which included two tickets to the Aviva Premiership rugby final at Twickenham in May.

It was 1980s pop sensation Bucks Fizz who stole the show with original members Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston performing the band’s hits, including the Eurovision-winning number Making Your Mind Up.

Former Norwich City midfielder Jeremy Goss, speaking on behalf of the NNAB, said: “We all know how well the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News champion their communities of readers and tonight’s cash will enable us to do the same on behalf of the visually-impaired communities in Norfolk.”