A mass wine-and-wisdom event run by a regional newspaper publisher has raised £6,378 for charity - taking total income since the project began up to £16,500.

Kent Messenger Group's Big Quiz 2004 saw 62 teams and 400 minds compete for the annual trophy.

Organiser Simon Dolby, a sub-editor and page planner at the company's Canterbury production centre, said: "Big Quiz 2004 was a great event and it really surprised us that we managed to increase the amount raised for charity by almost £1,000.

"Each year the numbers attending and the amount raised goes up so we know we have the right formula, but there are always things we can do to improve the event."

Sponsorship of the seven question rounds from several local companies added £450 to the total.

Victorious for the third year running was Canterbury pub team, the Unicorn. The champions' secret weapon was none other than former EastEnders actor, Shaun Williamson, who lives in the area and played Barry in the TV soap .

He said: "It has been a terrific night and as honorary president of one of this year's charities, I am very proud of the efforts of everyone involved. I must admit to having got the EastEnders question wrong though!"

Politicians joined police, ambulance and medical professionals, and quiz die-hards for the event. As one of the evening's main sponsors, Kent brewer, Shepherd Neame, kept the quiz thirst at bay.

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