The editor-in-chief at the Brighton Evening Argus promised to roll up his sleeves and clean a few cars – to raise money for the paper’s charity fund.

He made the promise at a glittering bash to celebrate the re-launch of the appeal – a launch that brought in almost £30,000 in one night.

It was a star-studded event at Brighton’s Grand Hotel when celebrities Joe McGann, Bert Kwouk and Dora Bryan turned out to give their support.

It was all in aid of the Evening Argus appeal, which is raising money for needy causes throughout Sussex. Organisations apply for the cash and a board of trustees decides on the share-out.

The Argus reported: “A further £3,000 was raised after Argus editor-in-chief Simon Bradshaw agreed to clean vehicles owned by Sue Addis, of Donatello Restaurant in Brighton, Howard Scott, chairman of the Appeal’s trustees and managing director of Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd, and Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus Company.”

It is the Campaign’s 43rd year and donations after the event have brought the total to £34,000 in only the first week.

The celebs were backed up by support from businesses across Sussex and some 300 guests were treated to an auction of souvenirs including a tennis racquet signed by Tim Henman, dinner for two on the Orient Express, and an original script signed by David Hasselhoff.

Trustee and co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said afterwards that the party’s success has been beyond their wildest dreams.

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