AN INAUGURAL Mayflower Ball held last Saturday at Taunton School for the Jemima Layzell Trust was a sell out success in more ways than one.

Raising an impressive £10,500, the evening exceeded all expectations.

During a champagne infused reception guests were treated to a first class musical interlude by the Taunton School jazz group.

This was followed by a three course supper in the upper dining hall, splendidly decorated in all things floral.

A luxury hamper was raffled on each table with the main event of the evening, the auction, being steered by Somerset stalwart, Charles Clarke.

Guests were also delighted to welcome Mr Clarke’s wife, Rebecca Pow, the newly-elected Member of Parliament for Taunton Deane who arrived fresh from her election night victory.

Lots included a priceless cook at home experience with MichelinStarred chef, Theo Randall, signed Formula 1 memorabilia donated by Jensen Button and a VIP experience to see boy band Boyzone in concert donated by Ronan Keating and his manager.

The ball was run by the Jemima Layzell Trust, a Somerset based charity set up in 2013 in memory of 13-year-old Taunton School pupil, Jemima Layzell who died suddenly of a brain aneurysm.

Jemima’s mother, Sophy Layzell was overwhelmed with the success of the night.

She said: “The support we have been shown this evening is incredible. People really dug deep. We were delighted to have sold all of the tables over two months ago.

“We never dreamed we would be able to raise this kind of money and are so thankful to everyone who attended, sponsored us and provided the many items for raffle and auction.

Without them it would not be possible.”

The charity is proud to have award winning author Michael Morpurgo as a patron.

The next event is a writing competition open to all children aged six to18.

The competition launches on June 1 and will be judged by the celebrated Mr Morpurgo himself. For for information about the competition and how to enter or the Trust, visit jemimalayzell. com.