More than 900 people turned out in their best evening wear for a night of high class, fine food and exceptional entertainment in aid of a Norfolk cancer charity.

Big C, Norfolk and Waveney's dedicated cancer charity, were the beneficiaries of the 2011 Royal Norfolk Show Ball held at the Costessey-based showground last night.

Hundreds of immaculately dressed guests enjoyed drinks on the lawns of the expansive grounds before a three-course meal and dancing to The Jonathan Wyatt Big Band.

Proceeds from the night, which also included an auction and tombola, will go towards helping Big C provide care and support for cancer sufferers and their families in the county.

Daniel Williams, chief executive of Big C, said he hoped the event would help raise somewhere in the region of �40,000 for the charity.

He said: 'We've been sold out for four months. We've had an awful lot of help from Anglia Farmers and Foulger charities – they've been our two big sponsors who have helped get us under way and make sure we sold the tickets we need.

'The key message I want to get across is we're a charity just for Norfolk and Waveney and every penny raised tonight and throughout the year is spent here in Norfolk and Waveney on equipment, support, research and care.'

David Moar, who co-founded the charity in 1980 after winning his own battle with cancer and who is a business development manager for Anglia Farmers Limited, said it was a great night for the charity.

He said: 'We're honoured that the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) have allowed us to use their show ball for fundraising.'

John Purling, chief executive of the RNAA said the ball was a 'great way to kick off' this year's Royal Norfolk Show, now in its 160th year, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday.