Eva Longoria called on her celebrity connections including girlfriends Victoria Beckham and Nicole Scherzinger for a fundraising gala in London.

The Desperate Housewives star and the event's organiser was amongst the star-studded guests at the annual Global Gift Gala, which raised over £400,000 for the Eva Longoria Foundation, Global Gift Foundation and Caudwell Children charities, at the glitzy bash at the ME Hotel on the Strand.

Actress and philanthropist Eva, who wore a black gown by Victoria, said: "Tonight has been phenomenal. This is our fourth annual Global Gift Gala here in London. This is a really fun special event, where we try to unite all the people who are doing amazing things and all the different programmes to bring awareness and raise funds."

Victoria added: "I am so proud to support the wonderful Eva Longoria at this year's Global Gift Gala. She truly is a beautiful person inside and out, her kind heart and charitable endeavours have helped thousands of children all around the world, and I am blessed to call her my friend."

Eva, who created the Eva Longoria Foundation and is an executive producer on Desperate Housewives TV spin-off Devious Maids, said her best present was encouraging people to part with their cash.

"I love giving so I love it when people send me cards that say when they donated money in my name. That's like my favourite gift to get," the 38-year-old said.

"It is put to a good use instead of being stuck in a closet somewhere," the actress added.

Pixie Lott's model boyfriend Oliver Cheshire and Suits actress Meghan Markle hosted the night, which saw celebrity guests such as actor Scott Maslen, The Saturdays' Vanessa White, former Sugababes' Amelle Berrabah, Thom Evans and Strictly Come Dancing professionals Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec.

"I was forced here by my wife," joked ex-EastEnders star Scott, who arrived with wife Estelle.

He added: "It's for a few great causes so it's important to show our support."