AN unusually themed event at the Bank House Hotel, raised more than £11,000 for Worcester-based charity Onside.

Backed by local businesses, it was called the Secret Elephant Show and featured students from the University of Worcester's drama department, who performed a series of self-authored theatrical pieces, which portrayed "secret" problems such as mental ill-health, disability and age-related loneliness, along with the life-changing work of Onside.

Kate Harvey, the charity's chief executive,said: "The Secret Elephant Show was our first large scale fundraiser and we are absolutely thrilled with the result. It was such an exciting and spectacular event, enjoyed by everyone. On behalf of all at Onside, I would like to thank everyone who supported the event. I’m completely overwhelmed by the support shown by so many locally based businesses. We’re so proud of all the wonderful people we are fortunate enough to support and wanted to do this for them. Everyone involved has helped us to raise our profile significantly and to raise an amazing £11,000.”

The work of Onside, which dedicates its time to supporting people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, is carried out by staff and volunteers who are recruited, trained and supported to work as advocates, mentors and appropriate adults. They help to make a difference to the lives of approximately three thousand individuals every year.