The third annual Brentwood Banquet, hosted by the Brentwood Gazette series, has raised more than £14,000 for the Rhys Daniels Trust Home From Home Appeal.

More than 230 guests, including stars from sport and entertainment, attended the event to raise money for the trust set up in memory of brother and sister Rhys and Charley Daniels, who died from Batten’s Disease.

During the evening, guests enjoyed a champagne reception and four-course meal before taking part in an energetic auction, chaired by TV personality Bradley Walsh, which raised £6,500.

Among the lots were flights to New York, a signed Michael Owen Liverpool shirt and a portrait of the England World Cup team signed by Sir Bobby Charlton.

Brentwood Gazette editor Roger Watkins said: “People are so generous and it’s a marvellous example of the community coming together to help a community-minded project.”

Money raised from the appeal will be used to build homes at major children’s hospitals where parents can stay when their children are getting long-term treatment, instead of having to use nearby bed and breakfast accommodation.

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