A BLISSFUL evening of art and music will be raising money for charity tomorrow.

Colchester couple Steven and Jenny Allenby decided to raise money for Bliss after their daughter, Ellie May, died in 2007.

Jenny was more than 30 weeks pregnant when she discovered her baby had died. In the following months, the couple decided they wanted to focus their grief on something positive.

They looked on a few websites and came across Bliss, dedicated to helping parents who have premature babies.

Bliss has set up the Precious Star fund, which allows people to raise money in the names of the children. After a certain amount has been raised, Bliss then names a real star after the child.

Jenny and Steven have organised a number of fundraising events, including gigs at the Headgate Theatre, with Jenny writing a special fundraising song, and art shows followed.

Now they’re back at it again this weekend with a charity auction of artwork and more live music.

Eighteen artists, including Sarah Hickson, James Willis, Tristan Howe and Norah Squire, have contributed a piece of their artwork towards the auction. It takes place at the Life Cafe and Gallery, Culver Street East, Colchester, from 7pm.

The art has been on show at the gallery for the past few weeks, but everything must go at tomorrow's event, with the proceeds going to Bliss.

Entry is free, and the auction takes place at 7.30pm.

The night will be rounded off with live music at 8.30pm from Lady Bird and the Larks.