A charity event held to honour the 96 people who lost their lives at Hillsborough has raised more than £100,000 to help children.

Variety, the Children's Charity, said it was "overwhelmed" by the support received at Saturday's charity fundraiser gala dinner "Variety Honours the Hillsborough 96".

The money will allow at least four of the charity's Sunshine Coaches to operate in Merseyside, providing transport for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Big Liverpool FC fan Chris de Burgh entertained guests at the event.

Variety's Lyn Staunton, who organised the event, said: "Variety had hoped to raise enough money to purchase one Sunshine Coach thanks to this event. To be able to raise the funds for not one, but four Sunshine Coaches is just overwhelming.

"The story and continued support for Hillsborough remains ingrained in the hearts of Liverpudlians who have demonstrated such remarkable generosity. Variety are truly humbled to receive such extraordinary support that will benefit children all over Merseyside."

Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsbourgh Family Support Group, welcomed guests to the event at the City's Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Before the event she said: "Tonight is about remembering and honouring the 96 by helping children across Merseyside.

"Supporting this project with Variety, the Children's Charity, means the Hillsborough story will continue to be told and will not be forgotten."

During the event Variety's chief barker Laurence Davies presented her with a Variety award for the work of the Hillsborough Family Support Group to recognise their efforts and continued campaigning for the Hillsborough 96.

He also said Liverpool Football Club and Everton Football Club had each pledged to sponsor a Sunshine Coach as has the LFC ex-players association, 5times.

Source: Liverpool Echo