Staff and guests of the Watford Observer enjoyed a taste of the dolce vita with a fundraising dinner at Zizzi’s Italian restaurant in King Street, Watford, on Wednesday last week.

It is the third time the newspaper has organised a fundraising dinner at the restaurant and last week’s event raised £860 for the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance appeal.

Almost £900 was raised for the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance appeal Sue Reuter, a volunteer fundraiser, told guests about the work of the air ambulance and the costs involved in keeping it flying and saving lives.

Entertainment was provided by soloist Rob Miller who sang and played guitar for guests.

Zizzi manager Inga Riakalte (left), is pictured with staff Eszter Papp, Fabio Manzini and Marcio Da Silva Olimpio.

Watford Observer promotions manager Ellen Dean was delighted with the turn-out and the sum raised. She said: "Once again it was a lovely evening with Zizzi donating the cost of all the food sold during the course of the evening.

"The air ambulance is such an amazing charity and we’re delighted to be raising money for it. It costs such a lot of money to keep the ambulance flying and hopefully the cash we raised can help make a little difference."