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First published on Friday 18 December 1998:

Stars shine at gala bash

SHOWBUSINESS stars were out in force as they helped raise thousands of pounds for charity at Brighton's Grand Hotel.

Pop band UB40, Republica star Saffron, pin-up Robbie Williams and chart-toppers Boyzone were among the top names who picked up Southern FM awards at the gala bash yesterday.

But they found themselves upstaged by Hove boxer Chris Eubank, who became the centre of attention when he splashed out £700 on two Furbies - which sell in the shops for £30 each.

Business representatives from across the county joined the stars as the awards were presented to celebrities and local people.

A special award for services to music went to UB40, who performed a sell-out gig at the Brighton Centre last night.

Lead singer Ali Campbell was on hand to pick up the award from Southern FM director Bob Hoad.

Ali said he was delighted with the award, which was voted for by the radio station's listeners.

He told the Argus: "We are very proud. We are always out to promote reggae and very happy when we get this kind of acknowledgement.

"We have been to Brighton ten times now, we love it here. The audiences are so nice. It's the surfers - they love reggae and they love UB40."

Brighton-born Saffron, who has hit the top ten with singles including Drop Dead Gorgeous and Ready To Go, picked up an award for Sussex music performer of the year.

The singer took her mum, who lives near Lewes, along to the lavish ceremony and shared a table with UB40 and Swedish pop star Alda.

Saffron said: "It's fantastic here, and it's great to come back to my old stamping ground. I love Brighton and I miss living here."

Saffron was also on stage to present the young person of the year award to 12-year-old Ryan Johnstone from Southwick, who overcame a rare disease that affects co-ordination to win the Sussex Judo Trials.

Winners who couldn't be at the Grand included Robbie Williams and Boyzone, who won best group.

Speaking via a live satellite link to Paris where the boy band are performing, singers Ronan and Steve thanked local fans.

Ronan said: "It's a real honour to receive this award. It's great to see after five years that people still want us."

Argus columnist Chris Eubank won the award for outstanding contribution to sport in Sussex, despite a hard year in the boxing ring.

He went on to splash out £700 on the Furbies during a charity auction in aid of the Disabilities Trust.

Other items sold were a framed signed picture of Boyzone, a signed guitar from Bryan Adams and a trip for two to Canada.

Live acts included Fayleine Brown of Lovestation with her recent hit, Teardrops, and new girl group Fierce.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.