STARS from the worlds of sport, showbiz and entertainment turned out in force last weekend to dig deep in their pockets for a charity anniversary ball.

Wessex Heartbeat celebrated its sixth anniversary ball at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in timeless style hosting an event which was hailed by everyone in attendance as the best to date.

Celebrities included Hampshire cricket captain Robin Smith and his wife Kathy, Gladiator Fox, Melanie Stace, Mike Channon and Jimmy Case plus Southampton comedian Mike Osman and auctioneer for the evening cricketer Shaun Udal.

The event raised almost £40,000 with more donations expected to roll in over the next few weeks which will make the ball the biggest netting since the charity, which supports the Wessex Cardiac Unit at Southampton General Hospital, began.

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