HUNDREDS of people dressed in pink turned up to to raise thousands of pounds for charity at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

In its eighth year, the annual fundraising event organised by prolific batsmen Graeme Hick, saw more than 320 people raise about £10,000 in a marquee at New Road. It is believed the money will be put towards the purchase of a new breast cancer unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Mr Hick said: "There was a live band playing, a comedian, and a raffle auction. It was really good fun. There's not a lot of pressure on the fundraising side of things so people can concentrate on having a good evening."

He said the annual event, which was inspired by the formation of the 100 Club during his benefit year in 1999, gets bigger and better every year.

"Over the years, if people have enjoyed the evening, they have come back," he said. "It's mainly just friends and members of the club and people who might be connected to the charity we are doing it for."

Mr Hick, who has just helped Worcestershire Royals win the NatWest Pro40 league - the club's first trophy in 13 years - said he wanted to carry on raising money for local charities because there was so much support.

"It would have been sad to do it for one year," he said.

In eight years, the events have raised about £60,000 which has been donated to charities across the county.