Stratton Motor Company managing director Roger Bennington, charity gala screening organiser Kate Cummings, EAAA fundraising manager Jess Downs and NNAB events manager Jeremy Goss at the showing of the new James Bond film, Skyfall, at the Norwich Odeon Riverside. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

It was the hottest ticket in town.

More than 300 people last night paid up to £75 each to attend an exclusive regional charity screening of the new James Bond film Skyfall to raise money for two of East Anglia’s leading charities last night.

The black tie gala screening of the eagerly-awaited movie was held at the Odeon, in Riverside, Norwich, and is expected to raise thousands for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind.

And filmgoers were both shaken and stirred by the presence of the Aston Martin DB5 that 007 Daniel Craig drives in the film, alongside other glam-cars that define Bond movies of the past, supplied by Stratton Motor Company, based in Long Stratton, Norfolk.

The Bond fans had the rare opportunity to see Skyfall, which also stars Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney, 24 hours before went on general release today.

Stratton Motor Company Managing Director Roger Bennington said: “We have a long association with Eon Productions in looking after the Bond cars. We are extremely pleased once again to be able to hold this private screening of Skyfall in aid of charity and would like to thank both Eon and Sony who have made this possible.

“We are working once again with the East Anglian Air Ambulance and a new charity partner the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind, which are both worthwhile causes. We are hoping to raise in excess of £25,000 on their behalf with the help of our sponsors, customers and friends.”

The NNAB’s events fundraiser, ex-Norwich City star, Jeremy Goss, said: “The gala is generating much-needed funds for us to continue our work among the blind and partially sighted community in Norfolk. It will help adults and children fulfil their potential to live independent lives.”

Patrick Peal, Deputy Chairman and Trustee of the life-saving East Anglian Air Ambulance Charity said “It’s through events like this that that we continue to maintain a high profile in the local community which is so critical in raising the funds needed to keep our lifesaving air ambulances in the air. We’re most grateful to Stratton Motor Company for their continuing generous support.”