Griff Rhys Jones' annual Christmas show has smashed last year's "eye-watering total" to raise more than £100,000 to support children and their families. 

Comedy giants Bill Bailey, Jon Culshaw and Milton Jones were among the incredible lineup for Happy Christmas Ipswich 3 at the Ipswich Regent on Monday. 

The theatre had a sell-out crowd of 1,500 for the show on Monday night, which has beaten last year's total of £92,000 before the final total is even counted.

Ipswich Star: Griff Rhys JonesGriff Rhys Jones (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

 Mr Rhys Jones has organised the event again in aid for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) of which is an ambassador.

Raiding his contact book, the evening also featured Adam Buxton, Andy Hamilton, Richard Herring, Tiff Stevenson, Deborah Frances-White, legendary comedy writer John Lloyd, Phil Pope, and Janie Dee also take to the stage.

Becky Redbond, EACH events manager, said: “What an incredible night.

“It’s the third time we’ve held the show and it gets bigger and better every time.

“The variety is superb and the acts are simply first-class, generously giving their time to support our charity.

“Our thanks go to every person who came along, for buying tickets and putting money in our collection buckets.

“I hope they loved the mix of comedy and music and I bet they’re still on a real high, just like I am.”

Ipswich Star: Griff Rhys Jones arriving to Happy Christmas IpswichGriff Rhys Jones arriving to Happy Christmas Ipswich (Image: EACH)

“We couldn’t be happier to smash that eye-watering amount,” added the events manager.

“Our thanks also go to the businesses who supported us by advertising in our souvenir brochure, not to mention our headline sponsor, The New Homes Group.

“Last but certainly not least, we’re eternally thankful to Griff.

“He makes everything possible and, without him, we wouldn’t have a show. It’s as simple as that.

“His infectious energy and enthusiasm – not to mention his vast contacts – drives the whole thing and I can’t speak highly enough of his dedication and commitment to the cause.

“Once again, it was a night that will live long in the memory.”

Ipswich Star: Griff Rhys Jones arriving to the show.Griff Rhys Jones arriving to the show. (Image: EACH)

EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk and the rest of East Anglia.

In addition to The Treehouse, in Ipswich, EACH has two other hospices – The Nook, just outside Norwich, and at Milton, near Cambridge.