A black tie ball hosted by a Woodford Green hospice raised £143,000 on Thursday.

Haven House was celebrating 10 years of care for life-limited children and families at the event at Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

Television’s Ben Shephard, a patron for the hospice, was host for the evening, and was accompanied by guest auctioneer Christopher Biggins.

The 300 guests included local business people, supporters of the charity, staff, volunteers and Haven House families.

Speaking about the evening, Ben Shephard said: “Being a patron of the charity, I have seen the amazing work that Haven House does first hand and I felt enormously proud to see so many people helping the hospice so generously.”

Much of the impressive figure raised came from the auction, where guests bid on a yacht charter, a guitar signed by band Kasabian and a t-shirt signed by Wimbledon legends.

One guest also bid for Masterchef winner Natalie Coleman to cook for them in their home.

Mike Palfreman, chief executive of the hospice, said: “The ball was a huge success and we were delighted to see so many of our local supporters buying tables and helping us to raise much-needed funds. We didn’t expect to raise quite as much as that, so we are delighted with the final total.”

He added: “Despite the fact that much of our work is tinged with sadness, we are keen to celebrate the good that Haven House does in our local community.”

Entertainment on the night came from the Martin Bell band, and there was also a performance by Strictly Come Dancing’s James Jordan and Camilla Dallerup.