Two worthy causes are hoping for a big boost at a special variety night next month organised by a Southend publican at the New Empire Theatre.

Ray Lambert, licensee of the Cornucopia on Marine Parade, today urged people to support the event on Saturday March 4 at 7.30pm which he hopes will be a resounding success.

The event is being held in aid of cerebral palsy sufferer Grace Splain and the Rescuers Animal Sanctuary in Benfleet, which are keenly supported by both the Cornucopia and the Britannia pub on Eastern Esplanade.

Grace, who lives in Southend, is seven years old and was brain damaged at birth due to lack of oxygen.

She visits the David Hart Clinic in Birmingham and all money raised goes towards helping her to walk.

The Rescuers is also strongly supported by local people and provides a place of safety where wildlife is cared for until fit and well enough for release. For wildlife which will never be well enough to be released, it will provide a home for life.

The major attraction of the evening will be Joe Goodman, who is well known as a comic in Southend and as an Essex man is known as "the king of the one-liners."

He is giving his services free for the evening, as are the other performers.

For many local people, a star attraction will be the Spice Girls tribute group, the Spice-E Girls, which are drawn locally.

They have been performing all over the world since they were formed and include the daughter of another well known local publican, Ron Pearce from the Milestone in Rochford, who previously ran the King's Head in Rochford Square.

Ray explained: "I wanted to do something special for the charities which we support in the local pubs. We have plenty of talent in the show."

For full details of the evening, contact the booking office on 01702 353577.

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