A family charity and a young person’s counselling service were the beneficiaries of a school’s biennial charity event.

The Friends’ School Circus Ball was held in June and raised an impressive £8,550.

Half of the money was presented to the school, and the rest was divided between Open Door and Homestart Uttlesford. They were presented with a cheque at a school assembly on Friday, when a representative from each organisation explained how their charity works and what the money will go towards.

Homestart provides volunteers who offer support, friendship and practical help to families with young children under stress, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.

Chair of Trustees, Claire Durrant, said: “We are delighted to receive such a large donation from the Friends’ Ball Committee. The funds will help to continue our support to families who are struggling to cope.”

Open Door is the only free counselling service for young people across Uttlesford. It provides safe, confidential counselling and advice to young people who are experiencing issues such as abuse, depression, loss, sexuality and relationships.

Manager and founder Pam Jenner said: “We receive no statutory funding so really rely on the generosity of local people to secure its future.

“There is a real need for this service, and it’s people like the Ball Committee that help keep our service going.”