More than 130 guests enjoyed the St Clare Rio carnival Ball held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Stansted.

THE sizzling hot sights, sounds and smells of Rio were brought to a shivering Essex when carnival dancers and a South American inspired menu helped supporters raise £12,000 for a hospice.

More than 130 guests enjoyed the St Clare Rio carnival Ball held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Stansted.

An auction of entertaining prizes, including a chauffeur-driven trip for two to the Michelin-starred Paris House restaurant, as well as tickets to see Mickey Flanagan and Mrs Brown’s Boys, helped swell the coffers by £3,200.

In keeping with the Brazilian theme, memorabilia from Brazil’s greatest Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, was also auctioned.

Sarah Calder, St Clare Hospice community fundraiser, who has lived in Brazil, said guests tucked into traditional Brazilian fayre of Bife Acebolada (Brazilian beef with onions), polenta chips and Arroz e Feijao, a popular Brazilian rice and beans dish.

Passion fruit mousse rounded off the menu and set the scene for some passionate and exhilarating samba and carnival dancing to a Brazilian beat band.

“On a cold night it was just what was needed to heat up the night,” she said.

The night was organised by The Scarlet Foundation.