MORE than 200 guests filled a marquee on the lawns of Bromsgrove School for a fundraising Champagne, strawberries and jazz evening.

Organised by Jo Slade, of Bromsgrove-based events management firm Every Eventuality on behalf of Jeremy Sharp, the Bailiff of Bromsgrove's Court Leet, it was held to raise funds for the Bailiff's two local charities - The Primrose at the Princess and St John's Church.

The evening began with a champagne reception which was held in glorious sunshine on Gordon Green.

Bromsgrove's town crier Kevin Ward summoned the guests in to the marquee, where a delicious buffet was served after thank you speeches from Jeremy Sharp, Shan Moule, on behalf of St John's Church, and John Burman, on behalf of the Primrose at the Princess.

Birmingham jazz legend Andy Hamilton and the Bluenotes played during dinner and afterwards to a packed dance floor.

The event, now in its third year, raised more than £7,200 for the Bailiff's chosen charities. Some of the money was raised from a raffle and charity auction held later under the skilful control of local auctioneer Phillip Amphlett.

Items in the auction included a hot air balloon flight, a day at Bromsgrove Golf Centre, holidays in Scotland, Portugal and Cornwall, along with lunch at the House of Commons with town MP Julie Kirkbride.

Event organiser Jo Slade commented: "We are enormously grateful to Bromsgrove School for the use of the marquee and for the excellent food and service provided by the catering team. "Thanks must also go to everyone who supported the event and made it another huge success."