CASH for Kids has received a £40,000 boost from the Manchester based Jam manufacturers Duerr’s after the children’s charity was chosen as the beneficiary for its JAMination ball.

The charity event at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa saw guests supporting Cash for Kids with a charity auction and raffle which offered prizes such as VIP Money Can't Buy packages, six-foot metal elephant and horse sculptures and celebrity events.

Party-goers were encouraged to dress as their favourite animated characters, and Hits Radio presenters Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan were among the celebrity guests, with some attendees swapping classic evening wear for costumes.

Over the past 18 years Duerr’s has been involved with a host of charitable projects which have raised nearly £700,000 for charities close to the company’s heart. This year the firm chose Hits Radio’s Cash for Kids as the beneficiary of its ball.

Mark Duerr, managing director at Duerr & Sons, said: “It is unbelievable that we started this 20 years ago and we're still receiving fantastic support from amazing friends, family, clients and some people that don't even know us but continue to help by donating, sponsoring and getting involved.

“Their generosity is genuinely overwhelming, and I can't thank everyone enough.

“After the success of last year's ball we have raised almost £700,000 for very deserving charities. My appreciation that we have this kind of success every year goes without saying.

“The support of all who attended will make a significant contribution to helping us make a difference to the lives of these children and their families.”

Michelle Williamson, manager at Cash for Kids, said: “We’d like to give a massive thank you to Duerr’s for their support and generosity.

“The money raised from the JAMination ball, as with all our fundraising, enables us to help disadvantaged and disabled children in the community as well as those facing abuse and neglect, or living with life limiting illnesses.

“Our mission is to lend a hand when and where it is needed most, so the money raised locally, and generous donations will both help give many children a better and brighter future.”

Cash for Kids operates across 22 areas around the UK. Its aim is to respond to the needs of local children and provide grants which benefit the most disadvantaged.

Collectively Cash for Kids raised £23 million in 2017, supporting more than 709,000 children.

All the money raised on behalf of Cash for Kids stays in the area it was raised in, benefiting local children who need it most.