The fund-raising efforts of the borough's new mayor got off to a good start with a celebrity dinner and ball that earned £25,000 for a charity. 

Redbridge Mayor Cllr Felicity Banks helped raise the cash for Woodford Bridge based group Hopes and Dreams, which provides treats for children with life-threatening and limiting illnesses.

The event, at the Prince Regent Hotel in Woodford Bridge, was attended by the charity's patron Mitchen Winehouse, father of the late pop star Amy Winehouse, and 'Allo 'Allo actress Vicky Michelle, with a performance by Michael Buble tribute act Mark Dillon.

Cllr Banks said: "I have selected Hopes and Dreams as my charity for the year because I was keen to support a children's cause - and have been extremely impressed with the wonderful work they do for young people facing the most vulnerable periods of their lives."

The impressive £25,000 haul included a £10,000 donation from Barclays Bank, with the rest of the money raised from tickets, raffles and auctions.

Hopes & Dreams char Ruth Salahi added: "Having the support of the mayor is a wonderful boost for us.

"Words can't express how much this means to the children turning to us to bring a smile to their faces.

"A big thank you too to Mitch, Mark and Vicky - and to everyone else who made the evening so special - especially Barclays Bank who made a major contribution."