CELEBRITIES stepped out in their dancing shoes on Saturday evening to show their support and help raise over �70,000 for a local cause.

Lizzie Parry

CELEBRITIES stepped out in their dancing shoes on Saturday evening to show their support and help raise over �70,000 for a local cause.

DanceEast's B'jewelled Ball brought a whirlwind of glitz and glamour to Trinity Park, wowing guests with an exceptional evening's entertainment.

The ball was held to help raise money for the Jerwood Dance House appeal, to provide world class dance facilities to the East of England.

Dance East spokeswoman Emma Brightmore said the final amount raised totalled an incredible �70, 747.

“It is a huge amount,” she said. “We had an amazing auction and a great charity raffle, people were just so generous. It has made an enormous dent in the amount left to raise for the project, we are nearly there.”

James Hehir, chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council and chairman of the Dance East board, said: “It was a great night and so many people have helped Dance East in preparing for this wonderful evening which has raised over �70,000 for the Jerwood Dance House.

“We are now looking forward to the opening of this world class centre in the autumn on the Ipswich waterfront.”

Former England football manager Graham Taylor, Dancing on Ice judge, Ruthie Henshall, ITV's Nina Nannar, former Ipswich Town defender Fabian Wilnis, Ipswich Town Chairman David Sheepshanks and Lady Xa Tollemache all attended the event.

Royal Ballet starlet Tamara Rojo graced the stage with a stunning performance of a new piece by Ipswich born, Royal Ballet dancer Liam Scarlett.