The Enfield branch of Age Concern celebrated its 20th birthday with a grand anniversary ball on Saturday night.

More than £4,000 was raised at the event at David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Carterhatch Lane, Enfield. Up to £2,500 was amassed through an auction hosted by former EastEnders star and guest of honour Lindsay Coulson. Prizes included the use of a £60,000 Lexus car for the weekend and a signed Tottenham Hotspur football.

The charity has grown markedly since it was founded in 1985 with just a handful of volunteers and staff. The Enfield branch now has 79 staff and 200 volunteers, and will soon move from a portable cabin in Knights Lane, Edmonton, to plush new accommodation in Ponders End. Tesco has also announced Age Concern will be its pet charity for 2005 which will no doubt boost the coffers.

Age Concern offers a massive range of services including computer classes, a trading company, chances to volunteer in schools as part of the ActivAge programme, and a toenail cutting service. For the frail, there is a day centre for people with dementia, a home-based respite service and a handyperson project.

Ms Coulson, who has become one of the charity's key supporters over the last two years, said: "The majority of us will reach the age of 50 eventually and it's important that people know how Age Concern Enfield can help them to lead an active and fulfilling later life."

Jason Atkins, general manager of David Lloyd Leisure in Enfield, added: "This was a wonderful opportunity for Age Concern Enfield to gather awareness and support for their great work in the community and we at David Lloyd Leisure Centre felt privileged to be able to support this event."

The charity is hoping to exceed £10,000 from fundraisers by the end of the year.

To find out more about the charity's work, call 8351 6300.