THE grand total of money raised following the annual Invasion Colchester event has been announced by organisers.

The event, which saw hundreds of sci-fi and superhero fans converge on Colchester city centre last month, raised £14,500 overall for a range of charities based in north Essex.

Mid and North East Essex Mind received £4,723 thanks to the fundraiser.

Many of the proceeds were raked in from prize draws, quizzes, a Christmas grotto, and donations to specific charities.

One of the main beneficiaries from Invasion Colchester’s tenth anniversary was Mid and North East Essex Mind, a mental health charity.

Based at the Constantine Centre in Mersea Road, the charity is one of 130 branches of Mind across England and Wales, and helps people who are facing mental health battles by offering them support and advice.

The chief executive officer for Mid and North East Essex Mind, James McQuiggan said: “I would like to thank Kerrie Williams of Ace Comics, all the Invasion crew and all the members of the public who attended the event.

“We are very proud to be a p[art of this fantastic event and we are looking forward to being -part of Invasion Colchester again next year.”