The Evening News in Norwich has raised more than £11,000 for charity after holding its first-ever Press Ball.

Almost 200 guests enjoyed a James Bond themed evening at the Dunston Hall Hotel, where a casino and a raffle helped raise funds for The Big C charity, which is building a £1m information and support centre for cancer patients.

The Archant-owned Evening News has promised to raise £250,000 towards the £1m target, and last week smashed through the £75,000 barrier.

Evening News editor David Bourn said: "We had hoped to raise £10,000 on the night, so the fact that we raised more than £11,000 is absolutely fantastic and I would like to thank everyone who attended for their amazing generosity.

"Hearing cancer patients tell their own stories, up on stage in front of 200 people, was a truly humbling experience and one which I am sure no one will forget in a hurry."

After a three-course meal guests were entertained by movie lookalikes, tribute band Queen Bee and Norwich covers band What's Up.

The fundraising effort was also boosted by a grand auction, and prizes up for grabs included a wine-tasting session for 20 people, a ride in an Aston Martin, dinner in your own home cooked by top chef Richard Hughes and a trip for two on the Orient Express.

The event was such a success that the Evening News is hoping it will become an annual event.

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