A regional daily journalist helped to raised nearly £13,500 for charity at an event run with the football club he covers.

Chris Phillips, chief sports reporter at South Essex daily The Echo, held a Q&A session with the Southend United Football Club Consortium.

The event was held to raise money for Havens hospices.

The charity provides care and support for children, adults, and their families living with complex or incurable conditions across Essex.

Justin Rees, chairman of the consortium, said: “It was a well-hosted and thoroughly enjoyable evening in support of a truly wonderful charity.

“Havens hospices does incredible work for people during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

“I’ve had the privilege of visiting their hospices a couple of times, and the care they provide is genuinely inspiring.

“It’s an honour to be involved in such a meaningful cause, and I’m just glad we could play our part.”