A FIRM of Eastleigh solicitors has given a cash boost to voluntary work that helps abandoned East European and African children rebuild their lives.

Knight & Co, based in Leigh Road, held a mouthwatering Indian supper and film night for its employees in a bid to stump up the cash for the charity Hope and Homes for Children.

Having taken on the children's lifeline as their charity of the year, partners are determined to collect as much money as they can.

The charity cares for more than 7,000 children in Eastern Europe and Africa who have been orphaned, abandoned or are alone as a result of disaster.

Astrid Grafton is heading up the fundraising at Knight & Co. She organised the buffet meal at Kuti's in Southampton and trip to see Hollywood blockbuster Troy at the city's Harbour Lights cinema.

She said: "It proved really popular with 95 people turning up in total. We offered tickets out to friends and family as well. Tickets were £20 and £9.80 of that will go to the charity. We are hoping to get more than £1,000 from the night."