HOLLYWOOD actress Anne Archer presented cheques totalling £50,000 to eight charities at a Saint Hill gala concert on Sunday.

The Academy Award nominated star hosted the event, now in its 12th year, on behalf of the L Ron Hubbard Foundation and the Church of Scientology.

The concert was headlined by international jazz icon, Chick Corea and covered a wide spectrum of music. Also on stage were Mark Isham, award winning composer; Alexander Markov, virtuoso solo violinist; David Pomeranz songwriter and recording artist; Elena Rogero, the "Italian Queen of Jazz" and East Grinstead's own swing jive band, the Jive Aces.

More than 1,500 people attend including community leaders, mayors, district and town councillors from all over the south of England.

Bob Mainstone, on behalf of the charities said: "This donation will make a big difference to these charities in accomplishing their respective aims and is warmly appreciated."

Marianne Rowell, deputy director of the foundation, said they were "delighted" to give their support to the charities.

"This annual event is the highlight of our fundraising events and activities," she said.

The concert rounded off a three-day weekend of events with more than 7,000 people from around the world attending conferences and seminars.

Charities to benefit from the donations were: Sussex Air Ambulance, the Bluebell Railway, East Grinstead Town Museum, Furnihelp, the Access Group, Impact, the Crowborough town mayor's charity and its Community Hospital.