A SELL-out dance in memory of an entertainer's father has raised £2,000 for North Walsham cottage hospital.About 240 people packed the town's community centre on Friday for the event, organised by professional singer Marc James in memory of his dad Colin Taylor.

A SELL-out dance in memory of an entertainer's father has raised £2,000 for North Walsham cottage hospital.

About 240 people packed the town's community centre on Friday for the event, organised by professional singer Marc James in memory of his dad Colin Taylor.

The fund-raiser, which is set to become an annual fixture, marked the first anniversary of Mr Taylor's death.

He spent the last month of his life as a patient at the hospital and had hoped to help his son raise money as a thank-you for the “wonderful” care his family say he received there.

North Norfolk comedian and family friend Pat Nearney also entertained during the evening, which included a raffle.

Marc performed a tribute song to his father called The Old Man, which he now features at all his gigs, and he finished the event by singing Best of Friends during which the audience joined hands in a circle and sang along.

The dance raised £1,700 which was boosted by a £300 donation from Janice Amies, who organises regular country nights at the community centre through J and K Promotions The Copper County.

Sylvia Taylor, Marc's mother, said her husband would have been proud of his son's achievement. “We had a full house and it was an absolutely brilliant night. The atmosphere was terrific,” said Mrs Taylor.

Mr Taylor, 66, had been suffering from cancer of the oesophagus and his family were able to visit him daily at the cottage hospital from their home further along Yarmouth Road.

Marc has booked the community centre on September 5 next year for a second event.