MORE than £3,000 was raised for charity at a comedy night in memory of a young father who died of meningitis last Christmas.

The Barnet-based Circle of Eight held the event in aid of Meningitis Research Foundation after committee member Julie Tucker lost her brother-in-law to the disease.

Marcel Felimond died on Christmas Day aged 36, leaving behind his wife and two young sons.

The Circle of Eight is made up of women and was founded in 2004 to raise money for charity.

Ms Tucker from Mill Hill said: "We were so pleased the local community supported us in raising money for this most worthwhile cause.

"The money will fund vital scientific research and help MRF defeat this devastating disease in the hope fewer people will have to suffer the sudden tragic loss of a beloved member of their family."

The comedy night was hosted by stand-up comedian Mark Maier at the Metropolitan Police sports ground in Aldenham Road, Bushey.