ABOUT 40 litres of soup was served up at a new fundraiser.

More than 40 people attended the first Colchestersoup, an unusual event organised by Jess Taylor and her mumKaren.

On the night, guests paid a suggested donation of £5 to get into Hythe Community Centre and enjoyed homemade soup, while listening to local worthy causes give presentations on their work.

Each person then voted for who they thought the cash raised on the door should go to.

The first event saw disability charity Papworth Trust, employment organisation Go4 Enterprises and the Friends of St Botolph’s group make pitches.

Go4 Enterprises got the most votes, taking away £194.

Jess and Karen were inspired by a similar scheme which runs in Detroit, America. It was launched following devastation there and the community came together to rebuild their lives and homes.

While Colchester hasn’t suffered in such a way, the organisers say it is experiencing a resurgence in creativity and imagination in the community.

Karen said: “It was nerveracking doing the first one, because it’s such an unusual concept.

“The vibe in the room was amazing.

“We had people who couldn’t afford to pay to get in which was fine, and there were some who paid more than we asked.

“The idea is it is a community event, and thatmeans everyone.”

The pair served up about 40 litres of Bengal Lancers’ and Minestra soup, which they made themselves, during the evening.

Karen added: “There was an enormous amount of soup. Some people had four bowls.

“It went down extremely well.”

The next event, which will be focused on three different worthwhile causes, will be held on March 13 at Abbeygate Two, in Whitewell Road, Colchester, from 6.30pm.

For more information or to book a place search Colchestersoup on Facebook or Twitter, or visit www.colchestersoup.co.uk Presentations do not have to be from registered charities, and can be any type of good local cause.