A THEATRE club helped raise more than £7,000 for Children In Need with a variety show bursting with talent.

Bocking Theatre Club held its Bocking Variety Spectacular on November 13, where hundreds were entertained by former West End stars, dance troops and a national opera singer. 

The evening raised a grand total of more than £7,300 after Barclays bank agreed to match the night’s takings.

Hosted by John Jemison, the live show was held at Bocking Village Hall in Church Street, and featured former West End stars, Jaymz May-Sinclair and Mathew Ibbotson, who sang songs from hit musicals.

A performance from young singer-songwriter, Aaron Floyd, was a big hit and 50s and 60s band, Mama Don’t Dance, had the audience dancing in their seats.

More than 30 companies sponsored the event, including Braintree businesses, Taylor Milburn, Yumy, Bocking Village Club and Pasha Cafe, as well as Sainbury’s, Nando's and Greggs the Bakers.

Maragaret Surrey, part of the Bocking Theatre Club team, said: “It was fantastic, it was absolutely packed and people thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Everyone was very generous at the auction and the raffle and all the acts had given their time for free.

“We are delighted with the amount, it exceeded what we hoped we would make and couldn’t be more happy.”

She added: “The club is family-orientated, we have members who are disabled and some who are involved in scouting and guiding.

“A lot of people here are involved in the community and Children In Need does support local communities.”