OSCAR winning actress Helen Mirren recorded a message of good luck for more than 200 fundraisers who came together at a charity quiz night in aid of seriously ill children and adults.

The event at the Deanes School, in Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, was organised by the Clips and Pieces Quiz Company, set up by friends Simon Foxen, 51, and Paul Harrod, 49.

More than £2,500 has already been raised for Havens Hospices, but it is hoped the total may reach £3,000 once last minute donations have been counted.

Superstar Dame Helen, who grew up in Leigh and attended St Bernard’s School, in Westcliff, was just one of a handful of celebrities who recorded messages of support and sent in video questions which were screened during the quiz night.

Olympic athlete Kriss Akabusi, former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson and BBC Essex DJs James Whale and Tony Fisher also did their bit to help Mr Foxen and Mr Harrod, from Thundersley.

Mr Foxen, who runs a barber shop in Hart Road, Benfleet, is a regular supporter of the charity.

He said: “When we were organising the quiz I wanted to make it bigger, better and off the scale. I was trying to think of ways to make the questions more interesting and then I wondered whether any celebrities might record a question on video.

"I sat at home one day making a list of Essex celebrities, Dame Helen Mirren was at the top of that list, and I wrote to their agents. Helen Mirren was the first one to respond and I really couldn’t believe it!

"She sent a lovely message thanking the people taking part in the quiz for Havens Hospices which we played on the night. When I announced the question and Dame Helen Mirren came up on the screen people’s faces were a picture – they were so surprised. It really helped to make the evening even better.”

Teams were put through their paces in seven rounds, including a James Bond inspired flake and creme egg eating competition.

They were even challenged to dance The Time Warp, which featured in hit musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show, to bag extra points.

More than £2,500 has already been raised for Havens Hospices, but it is hoped the total may reach £3,000 once last minute donations have been counted.

Mr Foxen added: "Havens Hospices helps families when they need them most, and standing on the stage, looking at all the people that had come to support the quiz night to aid Havens, along with the help of staff and pupils of the Deanes School, I must say gave me tears of pride.”

Forrest Gump’s Parents were crowned winners, beating off competition from 27 other teams.

Havens, which runs Little Havens, in Thundersley, and Fair Havens, in Westcliff, provides care for babies, children, teenagers and adults with life-limiting illnesses.

Sally Bridger, community fundraiser for the hospices, said: “It certainly sounds like the Clips and Pieces Quiz Company’s quiz was something out of the ordinary. I know everybody taking part had great fun.

“I’d like to thank Simon, Paul and everybody who supported the event for coming together for a great evening of fundraising for their local hospices. We simply couldn’t provide the care we do without the support of the local community.”