A CELEBRITY appearance helped raise more than £7,000 at a charity event.

John Nettles, know for his roles in TV shows such as Bergerac and Midsomer Murders, leant his support to an NSPCC dinner in Dunster.

The event took place on Saturday, September 22, at the Tithe Barn.

More than 100 people attended the dinner in hopes of raising money for the children's charity.

Angela Orchard-Lisle, event organiser, said: “We were delighted with how generous John was with his time and very grateful for his support for the NSPCC.

"Thanks to him, our wonderful supporters in Somerset, and the local organisations, individuals and committee members we have been able to raise around £7,000 for the NSPCC.

"This will really help us continue our work to help prevent child abuse.”

Mrs Orchard-Lisle first invited the famous actor to an NSPCC event two years ago, but his busy schedule meant he has only just had the time to accept the invitation.

After the dinner, South Quantocks branch chairman, Frances Vail, introduced John Nettles and later gave an emotional speech about the NSPCC, outlining the essential work that was being carried out by the charity for the many vulnerable children at risk.

The training of volunteers to respond to the many calls from children, approximately two calls every minute, 24 hours a day, is vital to help any child who had plucked up the courage to phone.

One in three calls is not answered because of the shortfall in the number of volunteers. The branch says further funding is needed to overcome this shortage of trained staff.

Following John Nettles’ talk, David Lethaby conducted an Auction of Promises, which included a day at Philip Hobbs Racing Stables, a pastel dog portrait by local artist Su Elsden and dinner, bed and breakfast for two, at the Luttrell Arms in Dunster.

Anyone keen to volunteer for the NSPCC in Somerset can contact Anna Keir on anna.keir@nspcc.org.uk or 07976 065207.