A team of party entertainers have raised £550 for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Andrew Nash, 32, owner of It's Partabulous, held the half-term party at Buckhurst Hill Baptist Church in Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, yesterday in a bid to raise money for children's charity, Haven House.

Mr Nash and his seven staff members entertained the 32 youngsters with high energy team games such as treasure hunts, find the key, dance competitions and pass the custard pie, which gave the four to 10-year-olds the chance to 'pie' their parent.

Pat-a-cake parties in Gants Hill donated 48 cupcakes for the event and Queen's Road in Buckhurst Hill businesses including Level One and Hair @ No.18 hairdressers, New Directions Pilates, Costa Coffee, One Six Queens and Waitrose donated raffle items such as £10 vouchers, £60 one-to-one sessions, coffee bundles and free cut and blowdrys. 

Mr Nash, who started the business up five years ago, said: "the party was a great success, I am overwhelmed by the turn out and how much we raised.

"We beat our £500 fundraising target by £50 and 41 pence which I am so pleased about.

"We are now looking to make a permanent link with Haven House so that something like five or 10 per cent from each party will go towards the charity."