A ONE man show helped to raise £1,000 for a new cancer centre in Colchester.

Colchester Arts Centre director Anthony Roberts presented his version of A Christmas Carol at the Officers' Club in St John's Green, Colchester.

The audience also enjoyed an auction and raffle which included Christmas tree baubles featuring the House of Commons portcullis and House of Commons chocolates signed by Home Secretary Theresa May and Justice Secretary Michael Gove.

Ticket sales, donations and bids totalled £945 with the figure pushed up to £1,000 thanks to a donation from the Officers' Club.

The money is being given to the Cancer Centre Campaign, which is being supported by the Gazette.

One of the organisers alderman Sonia Lewis said: "We chose the campaign because the cancer centre at Colchester General Hospital is so important to the community."

The campaign aims to raise £4.5 million to create a new centre where all cancer treatments and support services can be provided in one place.

To support the campaign, text GAZE11 £10 to 70070 to donate to the Cancer Centre Campaign (or chose a different amount).

Cheques can be made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre Campaign and sent to: Colchester Hospitals Charity, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL.

Donations can be made online by going to CohoC.org.uk.