Mick Hucknall, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton were among those who attended last night's fund-raiser in aid of the former England manager's cancer charity.

Cash raised has now smashed through the £1million mark.

Highlights of The Night of all Knights event included a live performance from the Simply Red singer and three footballing knights in an on-stage conversation with Sky Sports Presenter Richard Keys.

Sir Bobby, who continues his own fight with cancer, said: "To have a team of people like Sir Alex, Sir Bobby and Mick Hucknall joining us here on my home turf is just incredible.

"I know what a busy work schedule Sir Alex has, and that Mick has flown in especially for this event, which shows wonderful commitment to our charity. I'm extremely grateful for their support."

He added: "I'm thoroughly looking forward to an evening of letting my hair down – although thanks to recent radiotherapy treatment I don't have much hair to let down any more.

"The treatment has knocked me for 12, not six, but every day is a new day and the support of my good friends, family and all the very many well-wishers and supporters of my charity keeps me positive."

Other entertainment on the night came from The Durham School Big Band, Middlesbrough pop duo Journey South and local opera star Graeme Danby singing a song especially written for the occasion.

The event was hosted at the Rainton Meadows Suites, Houghton, by Michael Roseberry, managing director of Roseberry Leisure.

Sir Bobby added: "They tell me the 1,000 tickets for this night sold out in a matter of days but that doesn't surprise me. The people of this region are extremely generous and they also enjoy a good night out."

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation already raised enough money to set up a Cancer Trials Research Centre which will treat patients from across the region from January 2009.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information on The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.