Some 500 people attended the Big Top Extravaganza in London to raise money to fund research into childhood brain tumours for Brain Tumour UK.

The glamorous event, on November 23, was held in a magnificent turreted marquee in London's Bloomsbury and included dinner, dancing and a stunning show featuring high wire artistes, dancers and a magician.

Highlights of the show included the celebrated burlesque performers Polly Rae and her Hurly Burly Girls, who entertained the audience with their unique combo of satin, sequins, saucy humour and sex appeal; and the award-winning magician Piff the Magic Dragon.

Among the celebrities attending were Andrea McLean (of ITV's 'Loose Women') and former England cricketer Phil Tufnell, both patrons of Brain Tumour UK.

£35,000 was raised from fundraising activities on the night, with the charity receiving another £25,000 in donations.

Money raised from the Big Top Extravaganza will go towards research into childhood brain tumours, which kill more children each year than leukaemia.