The Dream Factory charity ball set to raise over £70,000

Town Mayor Barbara Scruton's chosen charity the Dream Factory's fundraising ball looks set to have raised over £70,000.

X-Factor singer Lydia Lucy and acrobatic and dance act Donovan and Rebecca provided the entertainment at the star-studded event held at Orsett Hall, Orsett, on Saturday.

An auction hosted by EastEnders actor and comedian Terry Alderton included a host of donated 'lots' including signed football shirts from Pele and David Beckham and signed memorabilia from Olly Murs and Kylie Minogue.

The Monte Carlo-themed ball also saw a Funky Casino, Roulette and Black Jack Tables and a Formula One car simulator.

The Dream Factory founder Avril Mills said: "I am delighted that we have raised so much money. A lot of hard work went into organising the ball as we had so much going on but it all paid off and as a result so many more dreams will now be granted."

She added: "Everything was donated - all the prizes and auction prizes. We also had a giant cocktail glass with a gorgeous girl dancing inside, a DJ, casino and an F1 simulator."

Among the 280-plus guests were former world welterweight boxing champion Colin McMillan, the television presenter Lisa Nash, actress and DJ Mel Cameron and Iain Duncan Smith MP.

Avril added: "This was the best ball ever. The highlight of the evening was listening to Private Mark Allen, Grace Woolstenholme and Aiden Boland talk about their 'dreams'.

The charity has granted some 300 dreams with another 60 on a waiting list.

For more information about The Dream Factory visit http://www.yourdreamfactory.org/