MEMBERS of a charity which helps adults with learning disabilities had the X Factor when they got to meet Simon Cowell.

The music mogul invited Colchester Gateway to the Savoy Hotel, in London, to showcase the work it and other charities across the UK are doing to reduce health inequalities.

The Health Lottery Tea Party saw members Shelby Burridge and Joe Strike meet the X Factor judge and enjoy a glass of champagne.

Sally Hargrave, project and fundraising manager, said it had been an amazing opportunity to meet Simon.

She said: "Simon Cowell was very passionate in his support of the Health Lottery. He attended the event with his wife and son. It was lovely to see his son on the stage so relaxed with his dad.

"We had an opportunity to speak briefly with Simon.

"We used that time to introduce ourselves and our project, say what a great organisation we had found the Peoples Health Trust and all their staff, how valuable their support of our community project was and how much we appreciated the invitation to this event hosted by him.

"It was a great day – clearly we need to work on improving our selfies as the pictures with Simon could have been better!"

The event celebrated over £100 million being raised for good causes and showcased the incredible work thousands of charities are doing, funded through The Health Lottery, to reduce health inequalities and make where they live an even better place.

Colchester Gateway was one of over fifty charities attending the Tea Party, along with other supporters of The Health Lottery, including Ayda Field, Darius and Nick Ferrari.

Colchester Gateway work with adults with learning disabilities in North East Essex offering social clubs, activities, trips, advocacy and the Gateway Award. The Project the Health Lottery are funding involves participants increasing community awareness about Gateway, raising funds to sustain their Project and The Gateway Award.

Shelby said she had an amazing time.

She said: "I felt very proud and excited to have my name drawn out of the hat. I like the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

"It is very special to be here. I liked the hall and the chandeliers and the chocolate cake at The Savoy. Simon’s speech was amazing."

Joe said he had been very excited to get the opportunity to go.

He added: "My favourite part was the champagne."

The Health Lottery east has helped Colchester Gateway to make videos showing what the charity does. If you would like to help by sponsoring, sharing their films or if you have other ideas please contact Sally Hargrave by emailing shargrave@colchestergateway.uk.org or calling 07720654519.