A summer comedy ball has raised more than �15,000 for a Norwich children's charity.More than 300 guests attended as the Nelson's Journey children's bereavement charity held its Not Normal for Norfolk summer ball at Sprowston Manor Hotel.

Hosting and comedy from Karl Minns, live music from Juice, a charity auction, raffle, casino and disco all helped to raise �15,350 – which is expected to reach �15,500 with the addition of gift aid and further donations.

Guests of the event were treated to a surprise appearance of Karl Minns' comedy partner in the Nimmo Twins, Owen Evans, pictured.

The charity auction raised over �3,400, with generous bids being made for items such as tea on the terrace at Westminster with MP Norman Lamb and a Norwich City shirt signed by Canaries players.

The highest successful bid, of over �1,000, was for use of an executive box at a Norwich City match in the Premier League next season.

Andrew Merricks, chair of trustees at Nelson's Journey, said: 'This was a great event for Nelson's Journey, the atmosphere was fantastic and the level of funds raised is credit to the generosity of the guests, who, in the spirit of the night, dug deep into their pockets.

'Praise should go to Barclays bank for matching �3,000 of the funds raised and to the staff at their Sprowston Road, Norwich, branch who helped at the event.

'We are also grateful to the many other individuals and organisations that sponsored the Nelson's Journey summer comedy ball and made it such a success.' Nelson's Journey is a former Evening News Charity of the Year and its current Smiles Appeal is officially supported by our sister paper, the Eastern Daily Press.

Keiron Pim, a feature writer for both newspapers, has been co-ordinating coverage of the appeal and hosted an EDP table at the ball.

He said: 'It was great to see so many people turn out to support Nelson's Journey, a charity that does such brilliant and vital work with bereaved children in Norfolk.

'We had a very enjoyable evening – Karl Minns and Owen Evans were on top form and it was very cheering to witness the generosity of the Norfolk people who helped raise more than �15,000, a really impressive total.'

Are you organising an event to raise money for charity? Call Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk