Retailers came out in force last night to lend their support to retail charity The Retail Trust and raise nearly £1.1m at its glitzy London ball.

Sir Philip Green pledged£150,000 to the charity, while Jaeger boss Harold Tilman gave a car.

Marks & Spencer chief Sir Stuart Rose gave£50,000 and other retailers including Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King and Asos founder Nick Robertson gave generously to the cause.

The Retail Trust is the principal charity for the retail sector and offers services including the free and confidential Retail Trust Helpline and Outplacement service.