A CHARITY ska night at Grays Civic Hall raised nearly £6,000 for the Karis May Darling Foundation.


More than 750 people, some coming from as far as the East Midlands and south coast, enjoyed a night of entertainment from two top local ska bands.


The money raised will go to the Karis May Darling Foundation which is in advanced planning stages for a youth community centre in Corringham that is likely to include a recording studio and communal space for young people to meet and socialize.


The KMD foundation was set up following the sudden death of talented school-girl Karis Darling. She died in April 2011 after contracting a bug called streptococcus A, which can develop into meningitis, just weeks before her 13th birthday.


The foundation aims to help underprivileged children achieve their aspirations through performing arts and sport.


The ska night, which was held on Saturday November 10, was hailed as a great success by organiser Paul Davis, from Stanford-Le-Hope who owns a roofing company.


He said: “The night was a great success. I would like to say a big thanks to the Civic Hall, all the staff, DJs, bands and the 750 who turned up to help us raise the £6,000.
 

“We’re trying to get kids off the street and give them something to do. We’re building a studio where they can go to express themselves and do a host of activities.”
 

Local ska bands P45 and The Dualers played on the night, supported by a handful of DJs. There was also a 50/50 draw which contributed to the fantastic total raised.
 

Mr Davis added: “There will be anotther one. Watch this space for next year.”