A CHARITY that provides people facing financial hardship with free school uniform has raised a whopping £43,748 with a casino-inspired fundraising event.

The Casino Royale event in Southend saw 220 guests enjoy entertainment from Bond Girls, courtesy of singer Maria Nayler, magician Wayne Fox and chancing their luck atthe casino tables.

There was a raffle and live auction, a surprise burlesque show from Emma Devees, before DJ Pete Ferrant raised the roof for the rest of the night.

Faith Horsley, trustee of Packed with Smiles, said: “We would like to give thanks toallour supporters from design, to lighting who helped us create a wonderfully successful night. It was lovely to see our guests having fun and raising vital funds for Packed with Smiles.”

Packed with Smiles provide children in Southend with new uniform parcels and other school essentials.

See www. packedwithsmiles.org.uk.