A CHARITY ball in aid of the EADT's CLIC into Action appeal saw guest digging deep in their pockets to raise almost £4,000 for children with cancer and leukaemia.

A CHARITY ball in aid of the EADT's CLIC into Action appeal saw guest digging deep in their pockets to raise almost £4,000 for children with cancer and leukaemia.

A signed England rugby shirt raised more than £600 after frenzied bidding during an after-dinner auction on the night, with former BBC Radio Suffolk commentator Terry Baxter at the microphone.

The cash boost was a leap forward for our campaign, which is now not far off its £50,000 target after just five months. The money will continue to fund a childhood cancer and leukaemia nurse and a play specialist at hospitals in East Anglia.

Around 200 guests arrived at BT Adastral Park on Saturday night to find the ballroom transformed into a Mediterranean cruise ship.

Navigating flashing port and starboard marker buoys, they entered into the bar area, where they were met with glasses of Bucks Fizz and the chance to take part in a giant raffle.

Then followed speeches from Michelle Gray, fundraising manager for CLIC East Anglia, and Frank Stone, of BTexact, co-hosts for the ball. Dominic Castle, deputy editor of the EADT, also thanked everyone for supporting CLIC into Action.

The food was buffet-style, with huge salads and a choice of main dishes. After dinner there was chance to play a money-raising game of head or tails, where guests contribute £5 to play. Prizes included a case of wine and a cruise.

Then followed the charity auction with items such as signed Ipswich Town shirts, a round of golf with a professional, dress and limousine hire and a ready-made children's party, with an entertainer.

The auction alone raised £1,825 for CLIC into Action. The evening raised around £3,800 but BTexact has offered to make it up to £4,000.

Then it was time to put the wallets away as guests were treated to two hours of live entertainment from the Bullet Blues Band performing the high-energy show Sweet Home Chicago.

The evening finished with disco tunes from the 70s and 80s.

Michelle Gray, from CLIC East Anglia, said: "It was a really fantastic evening for which I'm extremely grateful to BTexact for organising. Huge thanks to everyone who attended and dipped into their pockets to get such a fantastic result for the appeal.

"Our running total stands at £27,376 so this additional money means we will be well over £30,000 next week."

Donations to CLIC into Action can be made by credit of debit card to the campaign donation line on (0800) 1383810.

You can also pay by cheque, payable to CLIC into Action and sent direct to CLIC, 8 Wren Close, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP313TQ or to any of the East Anglian Daily Times Offices.

Cheques can also be paid direct into any branch of Lloyds TSB, quoting CLIC into Action, sort code 30-00-01, account number 02693685.

Donations can also be made via the CLIC website at www.clic.uk.com/donfr.htm quoting ref. CIA.

We are also asking for disused ink and printer cartridges to be deposited for CLIC into Action using special boxes located in EADT offices.

The CLIC registered charity number is 802396.