Esther Rantzen was the star guest at a charity speed networking event this week.

The TV presenter teamed up with business networking company Cut to The Chase to hold the event at the Jury’s Inn in Croydon last Wednesday July 15.

The money raised from the evening went towards ChildLine, the charity Esther Rantzen founded.

She was the guest speaker on the night, telling guests about ChildLine and its aims, before networking with local businesses.

Esther said: "It was a great opportunity for local businesses to network and the funds raised will be put to excellent use to help vulnerable children and support the indispensable service that ChildLine provides.

"The money raised from the event will ensure that we can comfort and protect many more children who have nowhere else to turn."

There were 82 local business people who attended and £2,432.95 was raised for ChildLine.

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