A Valentine's Ball organised by The Essex Enquirer has raised more than £10,000 for the tsunami relief effort and Little Haven Children's Hospice in Essex.

An auction and casino helped raise the charity cash as guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment at the black-tie event at Greenwoods Estate in Stock.

Muhammed Ali, Thierry Henry, Johnny Wilkinson and Robbie Williams were all on hand to help raise funds... in the form of auction prizes, with signed photos and memorabilia fetching more than £2,500 in a live auction.

Throughout the evening guests were also able to bid on a silent auction and could try their luck at roulette, blackjack or a wheel of fortune.

Entertainment was also provided by up-and-coming artist Natascha Sohl and comedian Terry Alderton, who both donated their fees to the appeal.

Enquirer editor Carol Driver said: "The Enquirer would like to thank all of our Valentine's Ball guests for their generosity and to the companies that donated prizes for our auctions.

"The evening was an overwhelming success – and we are delighted to have raised so much cash for Little Haven Children's Hospice and the tsunami appeal."