A LITERARY lunch held by world-famous author Lesley Pearse has helped raise almost £3,000 for the NSPCC.

Lesley, who has had more than 25 books published in a distinguished writing career, held the event at Dudsbury Golf Club in Dorset earlier this year.

Community Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC, Caroline Morgan said: “We would like to thank Lesley for her time and support of our event.

“She was a fantastic and entertaining speaker who gave everyone a real insight into her life as a renowned author.

“Lesley is a long-term supporter of NSPCC and once again has helped to raise vital funds and awareness.

“We are grateful to Lesley and all that came to the lunch as NSPCC could not go on without the help of our supporters.”

During the event, almost 90 guests enjoyed a two-course meal before hearing from guest speakers such as NSPCC Speak out Stay safe Schools Area Co-ordinator Michelle Barry and Lesley herself.

Fundraising events help fund NSPCC services such as Speak out Stay safe, which helps children identify different types of abuse as well as how to seek out a trusted adult, who they can speak to if they have a worry or concern.

In the 2018/2019 academic year, the programme was delivered to over 17,000 children in Dorset last year during 73 school visits.

The pupils were taught how to contact Childline, which is available for them to discuss anything that is concerning them, at any time of the day or night, 365 days a year.

Lesley said: “It was a delight to be the guest speaker at the literary lunch.

“There was a lot of laughter, and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did.

“The NSPCC will always have a place in my heart, nothing could be more important than keeping our children safe.

“Children are our future, and it is the job of parents, teachers and all those who care, to guide, instruct protect and cherish them so they in turn will have learned that is the only way to treat the generation after them.”

Organiser Hazel Boyle added: “Michelle gave a very interesting talk about the work of the NSPCC’s Schools Service and we were thoroughly entertained by the charismatic author Lesley Pearse.

“What a life she has lived - although her early years were very difficult, hence her empathy with our charity.”