A MAJOR London jazz event has raised £54,440 for the Amber Foundation. Amber is a unique charity that rehabilitates young men and women with a variety of social problems.

It was established at Tottenham House in Savernake Forest in 1995 to help underprivileged young people transform their lives.

More than 500 have been given a new start since the Savernake centre opened.

Recently the registered charity opened two more centres, one in Trowbridge and one in Devon.

It is still looking to expand its work and is always looking for suitable premises.

More than 300 guests were entertained at Amber's Jazz Jamboree by international saxophone player Pee Wee Ellis, the talented jazz singer Clare Teal, the Ukele Band of Great Britain and the BBC Big Band.

Major companies including Diageo, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile supported the event.

An auction with some very desirable lots helped swell the evening's fundraising.

One family of four successfully bid for a day out at sea on board the Plymouth-based Type 22 Frigate, HMS Cornwall. Highlights of their day will include test firing of a Sea Wolf missile, a flypast by the ship's Sea King helicopter and tours of the ship, including the bridge and operations room. Other auction prizes included a tour of the new McLaren Technology Centre, and footballs signed by the Manchester United and Chelsea teams.

The event was organised by Jenny Storm who lives near Salisbury. She first visited Amber with her husband, Colin, two years ago.

Mrs Storm said: "I was overwhelmed by Amber's young people.

"Despite the horrors that so many young people had been through as a result of things like homelessness, their enthusiasm about Amber and how they were turning their lives around inspired me so much that I just wanted to do whatever I could to help."

Mrs Storm said she was pleased that with the help of friends they had been able to raise so much for the charity.

An Amber spokesman said: "This demonstrates the dedication of those who support Amber and the work it does."