A charity ball near Fakenham has raised more than �170,000, over triple the amount its organisers had hoped for.

The ball was held in Guist last month for Macmillan Cancer Support and the East Anglian Air Ambulance and was organised by a committee made up of supporters of both charities.

Helen Chapman, area fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Norfolk and Suffolk said: 'This is the most money raised in a single event outside London in Macmillan's history.

'It may even be the biggest amount raised in a single event in Norfolk.

'We initially hoped to raise about �30,000 and then as the event grew �50,000 so to raise more than �170,000 with money still coming in is truly amazing and everyone is ecstatic.'

More than 450 people attended the ball despite thunder storms, driving rain and even a mini tornado that temporarily prevented people getting from their cars to the marquees.

Money was raised through ticket sales, auctions and gift trees.

All the prizes were collected by members of the organising committee and sponsorship from various companies and individuals meant every penny taken on the night and from ticket sales went to the charities.

Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising manager Luke Wheeler said: 'The amount we raised from this event is truly astonishing and it is testament to the extraordinary generosity of those involved.

'The evening was a huge success and the money raised will make a huge difference to the work we do.

'Cancer affects all of us in some way, with four in 10 of us facing a diagnosis at some point in our lives.

'This money will help Macmillan provide much needed medical, practical, financial and emotional support for people affected by cancer.'

Chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Tim Page said: 'The charity is overwhelmed with the amount of money raised and we're truly humbled by the support everyone at the event has given us.

'It is only through terrific events like this that we can raise the money to keep our life-saving service operating to help the people of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire who need us.'