It was an evening to see, be seen and, more importantly, to dig deep.

The 43rd launch party of the Argus Appeal drew a glittering who's who of celebrities from the world of stage, screen and the cream of Sussex businesses.

Stars, including actors Joe McGann, Bert Kwouk, and Dora Bryan, were among more than 300 guests who helped raise a record-busting £29,000 for the appeal.

money poured in throughout the seven-hour event, which began with a champagne reception in the Albert Room at Brighton's Grand Hotel.

Guests were then ushered through to the palatial Empress Suite, which organisers had spent hours bedecking with balloons, candlelit tables and banners.

Joe McGann, who lives in Brighton's Brunswick area, said: "The appeal is a great, great way of helping those less fortunate.

"The turnout has been superb and I have met a lot of friends."

After a brief speech by Howard Scott, chairman of the appeal trustees and managing director of Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd, flamboyant host Christopher Biggins took to the floor dressed in a long velvet jacket and slippers.

He reeled off the dazzling list of celebrities who had given their time to attend the party in aid of the appeal, which has helped thousands of needy people across Sussex since 1958.

He said: "It was a fantastic party where people came to enjoy themselves but also to raise a lot of money."

A few of the people who our campaign has touched were featured in a short, factual video, shown for the first time at Saturday's party.

ITN newsreader and royal correspondent Nicholas Owen presented the moving eight-minute film, showing how appeal cash is being used to improve the lives of scores of people across the county.

He said: "It was after I was interviewed by the Argus in its weekend section that Angela Wintle, a writer, handed me a letter from the editor asking me if I would be willing to be a part of the appeal.

"I was delighted to join. It is a fantastic campaign and I am hoping to bring the message that there are people in Sussex who really do need help."

Other guests included Argus columnist and broadcaster Derek Jameson and his wife Ellen, writer James Herbert and actor Victor Spinetti.

Mr Jameson said: "This must be one of the greatest social events in Sussex's calender.

"Everyone has been getting a great deal of enjoyment while raising money for a brilliant campaign."

After enjoying the sumptuous buffet, including Scottish salmon and a selection of Italian breads, guests bidded for a host of auction items.

Among the first lot was a tennis racquet signed by Tim Henman, dinner for two on the Orient Express, courtesy of British Gas, an original Baywatch script signed by David Hasselhoff and an autographed picture of Pamela Anderson Lee, courtesy of Pearson Television.

Other items were labelled with a 'money cannot buy' tag.

They included the chance to have your name emblazoned across the front of a bus, courtesy of the Brighton and Hove Bus Company, the opportunity to be an Argus columnist for a day and an offer from Argus restaurant critic Audrey Simpson to cook a meal for you and guests.

Fierce bidding broke out for the exclusive Argus columnist spot between Diedre French, wife of Brighton and Hove bus company managing director Roger French, and Bob Hoad, managing director of Southern FM.

While bidding was locked at £1,200 it was agreed that both could write their own column.

Mrs French said: "I have a lot of things that I want to write about but I am determined to make sure it is fun and interesting."

Mr Hoad added: "I think the number of celebrities that are here is a tribute to the Argus, which is running a great appeal."

Another sought-after lot was the chance to get the Argus' editor-in-chief, Simon Bradshaw, to wash your vehicle.

A total of £3,000 was raised after Mr Bradshaw agreed to clean vehicles owned by Sue Addis, of Donatello's restaurant, Howard Scott and bus boss Roger French, who said he may get him to clean one of his fleet.

Other big spenders were businessmen Chris Weatherstone, Glen Mishon and Legal and General, supporters of the Argus Appeal.

L&G's marketing manager and trustee Gianna Dodd said: "This is the first time the Argus Appeal has had major backing from a company and we are delighted to be a part of it."

Other fund-raising efforts included a tree of life, where every envelope was a winner with prizes ranging from videos to a dinner for two. Argus staff also boosted the appeal's coffers by selling raffle tickets to guests while Sue and Pietro Addis, of Donatello restaurant, sponsored a £700 holiday for two to Italy, which was won by Brighton and Hove council leader Lynette Gwyn-Jones.

She was on a table along with council chief executive Glynn Jones, who said: "Every year the Argus Appeal gets better and better."

One lucky guest walked away with a Nebuchadnezzar, £120 glasses of fine Moet and Chandon champagne, donated by the Evening Argus.

David Goldin, appeal trustee and regional director of Fox and Sons, won the four foot high bottle with a £700 bid. Then caricatures of boxing personalities Lennox Lewis, Frank Maloney and Francois Botha, autographed by Lennox Lewis were donated by Portslade Dolphins.

Proceeds were being shared between the appeal and the Rhett's Syndrome Foundation.

Also up for grabs were an original film script of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat signed by the cast and donated by Christopher Biggins and two season tickets for Brighton Racecourse for next season.

As the auction was brought to a close, guests partied until 2am to the sounds of Elvis Presley and Tom Jones impersonator Ivor Potter, the Blues Brothers and Abba tribute band Bjorn Free, featuring Claire Byrd, Rachel Lovejoy, Tomos Lloyd, David Shepherd, Kes How, Steven Heath and Katy Nemeth.

As the full success of the evening became apparent, appeal trustee and co-ordinator Elsa Gillio paid tribute to the supporters.

She said the evening, along with earlier donations from the Brighton Centre and the Revenge nightclub, had brought the total to £34,000 in the campaign's first week.

Mrs Gillio said: "It is unbelievable. This time last year we had raised £2,500, so this is fantastic.

"It's a complete record-breaker and that is down to the businesses and supporters who have helped us."

Event organiser Mike Mendoza added: "It has been a great night. There has been so much generosity from people and it is only going to be good for needy people."

Howard Scott said: "Not only has everyone had a tremendous night but there has also been a great deal of fund-raising.

"We look very carefully at where we put our money to make sure it makes a difference."