A CHARITY comedy evening starring one of the South West's favourite comedians has raised over £23,000.

Russell Howard headlined a Charity Comedy Benefit Show for Taunton-based charity Stand Against Violence at the Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton on April 28.

The charity was set up by Adam Fouracre following the brutal unprovoked murder of his brother Lloyd.

The Bristol-born comedian entertained more than 950 people and the event raised a staggering £23,587.

And he was overwhelmed at the total.

He said: Well done to all involved. We raised a load of money and had a great time."

The sell-out event was headlined by Howard, who was supported by Steve Williams, Becky Brunning, Steven Hall and Geoff Whiting, who all gave their time up for free.

Adam Fouracre, CEO of Stand Against Violence, said: "What an absolutely amazing night, we are all very grateful to Russell and friends for making time in their busy schedule to come down to Taunton and put on this shown for us."

The evening was opened by compere Geoff Whiting from Mirth Control Comedy, who did a brilliant job warming up the crowd and keeping the laughter going all night.

Geoff has performed in Taunton many times, and played a key part in getting Russell to Taunton.

Hilarious Welshman Steve Williams was first to take the stage with some anecdotes about Taunton and of course sheep.

Steve Hall entertained the crowds with some personal stories and newcomer Becky Brunning charmed the audience with her two B's rap/rhyme.

But the star of the show was rightfully Russell, who raised the roof over and over again.

There was also plenty collaboration off stage.

The show was organised and promoted by Trish Caller from Genius PR and Events.

Trish worked for many months to make sure the event was the sell-out success it was.

She had support from one of SAV's trustees - Kevin Smith - it was in fact Kevin who messaged Trish while watching Good News, about trying to get Russell to Taunton.

Mr Smith said: "We were truly fortunate to have such a brilliant act like Russell come down, it's tough putting on fundraising events at the best of times but this was a win:win, a comedian that so many people wanted to see and a fundraiser.

"This event is our biggest single fundraiser to date and we thank all those that were involved in making it happen.

"We are very lucky to have so many friends in the community."

SAV also thanked the Wellsprings Leisure Centre for going above and beyond on the day and night and said the staff were tremendous.

Kevin added: "Dawn and Keith from Food 4 You who ran the bars and sponsored the Friends of SAV buffet were an absolute pleasure to work with, thank you.

"We had a great team who helped us market and promote the event, including Ken Bird from Designed by Bird, Elliot Collett from Genius PR and Events, Giles Adams from What's On Somerset, the County Gazette, BBC Somerset, and Tone FM.

"On the night, there were photos from Clayton Jane and Rob Jones.

"Thanks also to The Castle Hotel for donating two rooms, Joe Rockett from Bright Productions and the Santander staff who sold the raffle tickets on the evening.

"The raffle raised £1,386 and will be match-funded by Santander."

The raffle prize was two tickets to see Russell Howard in London next year, with coach travel donated by Berrys Coaches, accommodation and a pre-theatre meal donated by The Baileys Hotel in Kensington in London.

"Many of you helped out, you know who you are so thank you," added Kevin.

"Finally, a thank you to the audience, we hope you had a great time.

"Without you, we couldn't do what we do.

"Physical, verbal and emotional violence affects so many people and without your support we couldn't educate our young people on the consequences.

"In today's age, our work is more important than ever, as much as we love and support technology, we know that the digital generation will be known as the impatient generation, we want everything now.

"It is therefore really important we can continue to educate children in our workshops about consequences - what they do today will have long-lasting effects on their futures and the people around them.

"If you think tomorrow never comes, think again.

"The past 12 months has been tremendous for Stand Against Violence, and the support we have received from Taunton.

"A couple of highlights from the past year include our fabulous Constellation with GoCreate on September 25, 2015, which commemorated the 10th anniversary since Lloyd's death.

"We were truly overwhelmed by the support we received and thank all those who contributed.

"We have educated over 9,000 children on the consequences of violence.

"There's a lot more to look forward to, the Children's Festival returns for a third year on July 28, Cream Teas on the Quantocks - a date is yet to be confirmed - October 1 a Dinner Dance at Cheddon Fitzpaine Memorial Hall and our ever popular quiz with Paul Sinha."