AN amateur dramatic group raised £500 to help sufferers of dementia in Essex.

Witham Amateur Operatic Society (Waos) performed their Christmas cabaret show to a sell-out crowd at Witham Town Football Club.

The evening was packed with festive songs and carols and Santa made an appearance.

As is traditional for Waos, all of the proceeds went to Essex Dementia Care, and £500 was donated from the evening.

Emma Loring, from Waos, present the cheque to the Braintree Essex Demenatia Care Friday morning group.

She said: “This group is a great opportunity, to promote independence and it’s a chance for their members to have a chat and some fun in a safe environment."

The amateur dramatics group's next production is Dolly Parton favourite 9 to 5, which will be performed at Witham Public Hall between October 23 and 28.

Auditions take place on Sunday, June 4.

Email secretary@waos.org.