Nearly £35,000 has been raised for charity by a Fairlop society with an evening celebrating the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.

More than 700 people joined the Lions Club of Fairlop last month for a dinner and dance at the City Pavilion in Colliers Row.

Presenters from east London radio station NUSound hosted the evening, which featured entertainment by live bands and bhangra “legends” Heera and Apna Sangeet.

Magicians dazzled guests with close-up tricks and the fun casino added more to the charity pot with games including roulette and blackjack.

Money raised will help fund two eye camps in the Punjab to provide cataract operations.

n If you are interested in joining the Lions Club of Fairlop or donating to the Eye Camp project, call 0845 833 5817.

Ilford North West Scouts

A new Scout group is opening in Ilford next month to cope with the huge demand for the membership.

More and more young people have been joining the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers in Ilford North West district over the past year – driving numbers up by 13 per cent.

District commissioner Cliff Everitt believes Scouting’s profile has been raised by famous patrons Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and adventurer Bear Grylls.

Cliff said: “I think there’s something enduring about it because you get out and about and work as a team of young people.

“The focus is having fun and working together, rather than being competitive.”

The new club will be for younger Beavers and Cubs at St Luke’s Church hall, in Baxter Road.

Groups are open to young people aged six to 18. Adults can apply to be volunteer leaders or administrators.

Email Cliff on dc@ilfordnorthwestscoutdistrict.org.uk for information.