What a fantastic night! The posh frocks, the glamour, the brilliant talent of headline act Still Drifting and the amazing auction prizes put the generous guests at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball last night into a giving mood - and it was a night we'll never forget.

WHAT a fantastic night!

The posh frocks, the glamour, the brilliant talent of headline act Still Drifting and the amazing auction prizes put the generous guests at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball last night into a giving mood - and it was a night we'll never forget.

From the moment the first guests stepped on to the red carpet and entered the magical world of Soul Sensation - this year's Press Ball theme - the champagne flowed and conversation sparkled as guests dug deep for charity.

And today the Evening Star is delighted to announce that last night's night of nights smashed all expectations and raised a whopping �11,000 for chosen charity Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Entertainment came from the legendary Ray Lewis of The Drifters fame with delicious food and fine wines adding to the sophistication of what has become the undoubted highlight of the Suffolk social calendar.

Speaking as the dazzling event drew to a close, Sandra Howarth, of Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “This is a fantastic result for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

“This year's Press Ball has been a splendid evening and we have managed to raise a staggering amount for the charity. We cannot thank the organisers, the sponsors and guests enough for this superb donation.”

Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Press Ball sponsors Call Connection, said: “This is an amazing result. The Press Ball never disappoints and this has been a brilliant evening and we have managed to raise a great deal of money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “This has been a spectacular evening for Cystic Fibrosis Trust and I am delighted with tonight's incredible result.

“On behalf of the whole Evening Star team and Press Ball organising committee I would like to thank every organisation, every company, every individual that has given up time, offered auction and raffle prizes and provided sponsorship and services to make this year's press ball such a resounding success.”

Further information can be found about Cystic Fibrosis on the website www.cftrust.org.uk. Help and advice for those affected by Cystic Fibrosis is available through the Cystic Fibrosis Helpline on 0845 859 1000.

Have you been helped by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust? Write to Your Letters Evening Star 30 Lower Brook Street Ipswich IP4 1AN or send an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

n. And to see more exclusive pictures of the event log on to our website www.eveningstar.co.uk for the online gallery.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK's only national charity dealing with all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis. It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with Cystic Fibrosis.