THE champagne flowed and so did the generosity at a glittering fundraiser in aid of two of Wyre Forest's most high-profile causes.

Almost double the hoped-for £10,000 poured into the coffers of Harriers Premier Group and Kemp Hospice after the eight-hour extravaganza in the grounds of Park Hall, near Blakedown.

The estimated £18,000 total will be split equally between the group which aims to secure Kidderminster Harriers' Football League future and the hospice, which has now passed the £500,000 mark in its campaign to raise £2.2 million for a new centre.

The 260 mainly business guests, who paid £33 a head, enjoyed live music and a three-course meal in sumptuous surroundings.

But the biggest money-spinner was the auction of prizes donated by guests, which raised a staggering £10,000 in just 40 minutes.

"Everything about the day was first class," said Alan Lane of the premier group. "Kidderminster needs its football team in the league and it needs Kemp Hospice so it was a good idea to make it a joint effort."

Mr Lane said Harriers were struggling to meet increased costs since being promoted to the league in 2000.

The group, composed of club supporters and businesses, has now raised £30,000 for the club since it was formed five months ago.

Fellow member Ernie Lane - no relation to Alan Lane - is a friend and neighbour of Russell Stevens, Park Hall's owner, who donated the use of the marquee free of charge.

Hospice campaign manager John Fletcher welcomed the boost. "Everybody seemed to have a really good time and I think that was reflected in the way people gave when it came to the auction."