A GREAT British Christmas evening brought all the greatest festive traditions under one roof to raise money for charity.

Business Administration students at Colchester Institute, in Sheepen Road, organised the event which raised more than £1,200 for St Helena Hospice.

It also formed part of a project management module of their course.

The event involved small businesses selling handmade gifts, books, sweets, mulled wine and mince pies. Pupils from St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School, in Priory Street, Colchester, took part in a choir service.

David Keller, student on the MBA programme and project manager, said: “We are delighted to have raised an amazing amount for such an important charity.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support of the staff, students, stall holders and the wider community who came to the event. We’d like to say a big thank you to all those who supported us and for their generosity.”

The college has raised an estimated total of £1,690 for St Helena Hospice this academic year and will be working hard in 2016 to continue to raise funds for the charity.

Paul Draper, partnerships fundraiser at the hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to Colchester Institute’s staff and students for working so hard to raise vital funds for the hospice.

“All money raised will go towards helping local people who need support in dealing with life-limiting illnesses or the loss of a loved one. We are delighted to be chosen as Colchester Institute’s Charity of the Year, and look forward to continuing to work with them next year.”