A FUNDRAISING comedy show at the New Theatre, Oxford, has netted more than £45,000 for the city charity providing respite care for sick children and young people.

It was the fourth time Childish Things has been held in the city in aid of Helen and Douglas House hospice, in Magdalen Road, East Oxford.

The event, held on April 20, featured the comedic talents of Bill Bailey and Jimmy Carr.

And after a few weeks tallying up the takings, the grand total has been put at £45,066.

Kate Day, events co-ordinator at Helen and Douglas House, said: "The New Theatre staff have been utterly amazing with their support of this event.

"Not only do they allow us to use the theatre free of charge, but most of their staff donate their time for free.

"Without their help and enthusiasm Childish Things would not be half the event it is."

To help boost the final total, all profits from retail sales made during the evening were also donated to the charity.

The event is one of the hospice's largest annual fundraising events, and in the past has attracted stars such as Stephen Fry, Bill Nighy, Rob Brydon and members of Oxford band Radiohead. Mr Bean star Rowan Atkinson, who lives in Waterperry, made a surprise appearance at last month's show.

Wheelchair bound singer-songwriter Ally Craig, once a guest at Douglas House, has also shared the stage with some of the comedy world's biggest names.

The event has become a favourite with some of the comedians themselves.

Jimmy Carr took part for the second time this year, having asked organisers specifically if he could be involved again.

Miss Day said: "It is an indication of how popular Childish Things has become when 1,000 tickets for this year's show were sold out even before the line-up was announced.

"The evening was a complete sell-out more than a month ahead."

Tickets have already gone on sale for Childish Things 5, which will take place on May 14, 2009.

Tickets cost between £20 and £27.50 and are available now from Ticketmaster on 0844 8471585 or from the New Theatre box office.