A children’s sports charity raised thousands of pounds at their “best” Dinner Dance in Marlow at the weekend.

Kids in Sport’s event took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday, raising £18,000.

Roger Budd, the club’s chairman and founder, said: “This is a fantastic amount for a small charity like ours. It’s our best year yet.”

Kids in Sport supports a group that works with children with cerebral palsy and £11,000 of the money raised will fund the cost of their swimming and hydrotherapy sessions for the coming year.

The remaining balance will benefit other local children by providing them with the means to participate in a variety of sports on a regular basis.

Kids in Sport was founded by Mr Budd and his wife, Pam, in memory of their son, Julian, who died suddenly in 2007, aged 33 years old.

Julian was a keen sportsman so the charity was set up to ensure all children, regardless of their circumstances, are given equal opportunities to enjoy sports.

Since its inception the charity has made 62 grants totalling more than £200,000, with all beneficiaries located within a 30 mile radius of Saunderton, where the charity is based.

More than 200 people attended the event, which was hosted by MC Russ Williams and featured music from comedy band Triple Cream.

A charity auction, which included unique items such as the opportunity to be an extra in the new Mission Impossible film starring Tom Cruise and a chance to fly a British Airways simulator, raised more than £11,000.

Mr Budd said: “I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the evening.”

Kids in Sport’s next fundraising event is a golf day and they are looking for a sponsor. For more details contact Mr Budd on 07944 870286 or email roger@kidsinsport.com