GLITZ and glamour came to Romsey when the great and the good of the town raised tens of thousands of pounds for Ebola orphans.

Two hundred people put on their finest frocks and most dapper dinner jackets for the St George’s Foundation gala dinner and auction at Romsey Abbey.

Organised by events company Pear and Ginger, the prestigious event raised more than £32,000 for the worthy cause.

Vicar of Romsey, Revd Canon Tim Sledge was the host for the evening which saw guests tuck into a five course dinner served up by some of Hampshire’s most celebrated chefs.

Chewton Glen’s Luke Matthews, The White Horse Hotel and Brasserie’s Nick O’Halloran and the Lime Wood’s Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder all served up tasty treats.

Christie’s International Director in Auctioneering, Hugh Edmeades, helped to boost the proceeds on the night when guests bid thousands of pounds in the auction.

The evening also saw Justine Conteh, from the Ebola-blighted country of Sierra Leone, talk about the importance of the charity.

Philip Dean, charity founder said: “As the founder of St George Foundation it really is humbling to see these top class chefs and their businesses, the Abbey staff, the choir, the band, the singer the waiting staff, the admin, the committee who organise it all joining forces to help some of the most vulnerable and voiceless children in our world.

“This has to be what community is really all about and we are very grateful to everyone that took part. The sum raised was an amazing figure and this will make a huge difference to these children's lives where stability and a place of safety are critical.

“The people of Romsey have been amazingly generous at this event and street collections and we would love to say thank you to all those who supported this event and previous street collections.”

Chief organiser, Heidi Drummond, of the events firm said: “I never cease to be amazed by the incredible support we receive from the local community when holding this dinner at Romsey Abbey.

“Nearly 100 volunteers passed through the doors of the Abbey in preparing and running this event.

“Pear and Ginger are thrilled to have raised £32,000 for the St George Foundation and know this will go along way in helping the street children they rescue in Sierra Leone.”