HUNDREDS of people joined TV Egghead Barry Simmons to test their knowledge and help raise nearly £10,000 for a hospice.

Almost 600 people, including Anne Coe, the mayor of Brentwood, turned out to support the Big Yellow Q quiz night at the Brentwood Centre.

The event was held in aid of St Francis Hospice, which is based in Romford and cares for people from the Brentwood area.

Barry, who has recorded 132 episodes of BBC2 show Eggheads so far this year, set a question each round and also helped teams by providing them with answers, for a donation.

He said: “I think it’s remarkable that so many people came to celebrate such a lovely cause. “I enjoy quizzes and was only too pleased to get involved and give something back to the community.”

Margaret Bates, from Doddinghurst, said: “It was a fantastic evening, good fun and a chance to get together with friends and family while supporting Saint Francis Hospice.”

Lynda Head, the hospice’s community fundraising manager, said: “I’d like to thank Barry, the quiz masters, volunteers and everyone who took part in the quiz for making it a success.

“£10,000 is an incredible amount of money and really will help improve the lives of local people affected by life-limiting illness as it means they can benefit from the specialist care provided by the hospice when they need it.”

To find out more about other fundraising events, visit www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 753319.