STAFF from Southampton-based image maker GMX rubbed shoulders with the great and good at 'Magic in the Garden', the first UK fundraising event in support of the British Memorial Garden in New York.

It was held at the Houses of Parliament, and attracted MPs, peers and representatives of major corporate sponsors like Dewey Ballantine.

GMX, a public relations consultancy employing 22 people, was appointed by British Memorial Garden Trust UK to launch the charity and to handle its public relations and marketing activities.

The successful media launch in April, which explained the need for a garden to commemorate UK/US friendship and the 67 British citizens who were lost in the 9/11 tragedy, was widely reported.

Magic in the Garden was hosted by David Tredinnick MP, a director and co-chairman of the charity, with more than 200 guests present.

The keynote speaker was Sir Christopher Meyer, who was the UK's ambassador to the US at the time of 9/11.

Camilla G Hellman, a trust director, gave a speech of thanks to the 200-plus guests.

So far £73,000 has been raised towards the £3m target.

To find out more, go to www.britishmemorialgarden.org.uk.