MEMORIES of the London Blitz have inspired a new fundraising event for St Luke’s Hospice.

A ‘blitz ball’ will take place at Orsett Hall Hotel on Saturday, February 14, with proceeds for the hospice.

The event is the brainchild of local singer and band leader Andy Mawbey and borough councillor Val Morris-Cook and her husband Carl - who has just returned from a St Luke’s fundraising trip to Guatemala.

The evening will feature big band entertainment from Andy and the Moonlight Swing Orchestra featuring Pam Dabell and Liz Payne, The Stephanie Mann Showgirls and Happy Feet.

There will be a cameo appearance from borough MP Andrew Mackinlay as Winston Churchill. An auction will feature items including Red Arrows memorabilia and a day in a recording studio. Guests are invited to dress in 1940 civvies or forces uniforms.

Tickets are £45 pp including a themed three piece meal and are available from Orsett Hall (01375 891402) or Muffintop Entertainment (01920 438061).

Pictured are, from left, event organisers Carl Morris, Andy Mawbey, Val Morris Cook, MP Andrew Mackinlay who will portray Churchill at the event, and St Luke’s Hospice corporate fundraiser Keith Revell.

They visited an Anderson shelter at Purfleet’s Military Heritage Centre to get in the mood for the big night.