A SELL-OUT charity ball raised more than £40,000 for Julia’s House children's hospice.

The annual Butterfly Ball was held in the stunning surroundings of Canford School and attracted 160 guests.

Among them were two of the charity’s celebrity patrons, leading actor Martin Clunes and actress and impressionist Debra Stephenson.

The talents of both were employed to help make the evening a spectacular success.

Martin conducted the charity auction, which included two lots he had donated, a walk-on part in the next series of Doc Martin and one of the suits he wore in the hit TV show.

They turned out to be the star lots, attracting combined bids to the tune of £2,250.

Debra brought the house down when she rounded off the evening by singing the opera classic Oh Mio Babbino Caro, for which she received a standing ovation.

As well as a three-course dinner and charity auction, guests enjoyed live music, entertainment and dancing.

The charity’s corporate and events manager, Linda Schofield-Green, said she was thrilled by the amount raised, which was £8,000 more than the previous year and a record for a Julia's House ball.

“It was such an amazing night. We had patrons, trustees, supporters, parents, staff and volunteers all playing their part and contributing to a wonderful family atmosphere.

“Martin and Debra were just superb. We are so grateful to them and to everyone for making the ball such an outstanding success.”

She added: “I cannot imagine how we are ever going to top that next year.”