The Journalists' Charity welcomed nearly 200 guests to its annual drinks reception in London.

The event was held at the Irish Embassy and hosted by the Ambassador of Ireland David Cooney.

The charity supports former and current journalists who have fallen on hard times and in August opened a £4m retirement home in Surrey for ex-editoral staff and their dependents.

Guest of honour at the evening event was Home Secretary Jacqui Smith who spoke to guests about the relationship between politicians and the media.

She said: "You are reporting, investigating and commentating on what is happening and the contribution of a free press in this country is something we should be proud of and work hard to preserve.

"I am pleased to support the work of the Journalists' Charity.

"When I got out of the car arriving at the embassy, a slight thought crossed my mind whether I wanted to spend the evening with a group of journalists.

"But a combination of the hospitality of the Irish Embassy and the bonhomie in the room, and the ability to support a hard-working charity, was enough to tempt me here."

Ambassador Cooney said he felt a free media was the cornerstone of democracy.

He added: "We recognise that the media is part of the democracy we have and we have to take hits from time to time."

Charity chairman Robert Warren thanked all the guests and members for coming but rallied for more support to help with fund-raising.

He told guests: "We still have a long way to go.

"I hope none of you here tonight will one day be in a position to be asking what your charity can do for you.

"But please give some serious thought to what you can do for your charity."