Comedian Jim Davidson entertained a room of over 400 people for the Wessex Cancer Trust's Night of Comedy and help raise £50 for the charity.

Supported by Kevin Connelly and Keith O'Keefe he kept everyone at the Gentlemen's Dinner in stitches.

Kevin Connelly of Dead Ringers fame had stepped into the breach at the last minute because Frank Carson had to go into hospital.

Connelly enthralled guests with marvellous impressions of well-known celebrities.

Jim ran the auction and this alone raised over £15,000.

Items included a signed set of Harry Potter books and a boxing glove signed by nine world champions.

Other prizes ranged from golfing at Wentworth to framed pictures and gloves from this year's Ryder Cup.

Dennis Hall, chief executive of The Mayflower Theatre had been talking to Jim Davidson about our evening and Jim was quick to donate his services knowing the awful impact of this disease on so many families.

The night grossed approximately £50,000 for the charity, helping Wessex Cancer Trust to continue its work in tackling the problems of cancer locally throughout the Wessex region.

Paul Herington, chief executive of Wessex Cancer Trust said: "The Night of Comedy provided fantastic entertainment as well as raising funds well above our most optimistic estimates. The Wessex Cancer Trust is very grateful for all the support it received."