A charity celebrated its 20th anniversary in style by raising a record-breaking £110,000 at its annual ball.

Friends of Shelby Newstead (FoSN), which helps children suffering serious illnesses and their families, hosted 850 people at the Clive Emson Conference Centre at the Kent Showground in Detling on Saturday night.

More than £60,000 was raised by an auction alone, which offered experiences like a sailing weekend and a flight in a jet, while Shelby sold some of her artwork for a total of almost £15,000.

Shelby, 21, beat neuroblastoma at just nine months old in 1996 and the charity was set up by her parents, David and Sally, to help those who suffer from similar illnesses and hardships.

Mr Newstead, who got to join his daughter at the Pride of Britain Awards earlier this month, said of this year’s ball: “We thought last year we were never going to raise that much again, so to do it and more is amazing really.

“It astounds us every time how much generosity there is in one room.

“Everything we raise goes towards the good of others" David Newstead

“Everything we raise goes towards the good of others.”

Among those to benefit are five-year-old Sophie Bean, who attended the event in a wheelchair bought for her by the charity, and Hinton House in Westgate, near Margate.

Due to reopen on December 1, the home for children and their families seeking respite after cancer treatment has been handed £75,000 by FoSN for a refurbishment.

The Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled in Dartford is also set to benefit from the money raised at the weekend.

Mr Newstead, of White Post Lane, Culverstone, said: “Our trustees are all volunteers, which makes us unique I think, and there’s a legacy there from when Shelby was diagnosed.

“We have tried to go out there and help other people.

“FoSN will be back on Saturday, November 11, 2017, with another fundraising night not to be missed.”

You can keep up-to-date with FoSN’s work at facebook.com/shelbynewsteaddoo.