Charities from Essex have received a boost from this year's V Festival with more than £100,000 donated by VIPs and guests.

Cheques, worth a combined £104,000 have been handed to charities locally and nationally including: Broomfield Hospital, Well Child, Save The Children, Little Havens Children's Hospice, Chelmsford and Mid Essex Samaritans, Teenage Cancer Trust, Chelmsford Borough Council Disability Access Fund and Barrow Farm Group.

The festival, held in August at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire, saw thousands of music fans enjoy bands like The Strokes and Muse with VIP guests giving donations during the event.

A key contribution was given to Broomfield Hospital's funds with £30,000 donated to help kick-start an appeal for an MRI scanner service for children at the hospital.

Charitable funds administrator for the hospital Alison Avery said: "We are just very grateful for all the help they give us and delighted with the support."

Caroline Butt, of Little Haves Children's Hospice said: "We are so pleased to be receiving support from this high profile event."

V Festival Director Bob Angus said: "We are delighted to be able to give something back to Chelmsford in this way, to ensure the continued good work of these charities and organisations.

Published Wednesday November 10, 2004