An Andover-born magician has hosted a virtual ball to raise funds for a children’s charity.

Michael King hosted the NSPCC’s Virtual Surprise Ball, which featured a variety of famous faces including singers Andrea Corr and Beth Orton as well as TV presenter Dame Esther Rantzen.

The virtual ball has so far raised over £11,000 for the charity, with tickets still available to watch the event. The NSPCC is hoping that the event will raise £20,000 overall, which will allow its staff to talk to children on its youth support service Childline for over 800 hours.

Patricia Antelme, who organised the virtual ball, said: “We started this event in response to the increasing amount of calls to Childline, which has been there for children throughout this pandemic and is still here today. We want to ensure it continues to deliver its unparalleled service that has helped numerous children for over 35 years.

“The committee hopes this will inspire others to think outside the box and adapt previous methods of fundraising so that services like Childline can be at full strength, especially now as it begins to the see the untold stories unfold as children return to the classroom.”

Throughout the pandemic, Childline has provided support for young people and their mental health. In May, counsellors delivered nearly 22,000 counselling sessions to children trying to cope with their mental health, which was an increase of 15 per cent compared to the pre-lockdown average.

Emma Alexandra, NSPCC Fundraising Manager, said: “The shockwaves of the coronavirus pandemic have been felt across every community of the UK, it has been a difficult time for all of us and continues to be so – especially for the many children who have been hidden victims.

“This ball is a showcase of how NPSCC fundraisers have adapted to tackle the constraints brought on by the virus and this event will help us still be here for children who need us now more than ever.”

There is no set ticket price, but the charity has suggested a donation of £40. Once the ticket has been purchased the event will be available to watch until December 10.

For further information or to book tickets, please visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nspcc-surprise-ball-tickets-118968117843