A QUIZ organised by the Gazette raised hundreds of pounds for St Helena Hospice.

The paper put on the fundraiser at Colchester’s Firstsite arts gallery as part of the Birkett Long Challenge.

We have taken on the challenge to make as much money as we can from £50, which is donated by the solicitors.

Questions were set by volunteer Stephen Collitt and the winning team was Motley Crue.

James Wills, Gazette editor in-chief, said: “We were thrilled with the response from the public and the event raised more than £800.

“About 90 people, including staff from St Helena Hospice, Colchester Hospital, councillors and Colchester MP Will Quince attended and their grey matter was certainly put to the test.”

Funds were boosted by a raffle, which was only possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses. Donors included Street Wines, Colchester Council, Jungle Adventure soft play centre, Milsoms, the Food Company, Rollerworld and Quazar, Wivenhoe House Hotel, Dedham Vale Vineyard, East of England Co-op, Essex and Suffolk Gliding Club, Abellio Greater Anglia, Geller Butchers, Colchester United, Will Quince and Firstsite for use of the venue.

Mr Wills said: “As ever, local businesses showed they have a heart and their support was overwhelming, as was the generosity of those who participated.

This event was organised by our chief reporter, Andrea Collitt, and it was a huge credit to her.”