A former Blue Peter presenter and top stand up comic were among the dozens sleeping rough in Worpole Road to raise money for the Wimbledon Guild on Saturday night.

Not even a heavy shower could put off the hardy campers who hope to have raised more than £7,000 for the Guild’s work supporting vulnerable and elderly residents in the borough.

Former Have I Got News For You panelist Andy Hamilton and Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan entertained the 35 residents, including the Mayor of Merton Nick Draper, sleeping on roll mats and mattresses - many without even a tent.

Event organiser Judy Jordan, said: “We don’t yet know how much the event will bring in, but we’re hoping to beat last year’s total of £7,000.

“That’s what it cost us last year to buy a used minibus, to keep bringing older people in to the day centre, and of course it costs as much again every year to keep the bus and so many of our other services running.”

The mayor himself did more than just brave the elements, proving himself an able guitarist while joining comedian Andy and Peter for a moral-boosting singalong.

The entertainers then decided to vet potential new Blue Peter presenters.

Many auditioned, but it was the mayor’s chauffeur and attendant, Carl Brown, who was chosen to show his skills with a cereal packet and some sticky backed plastic.

Wimbledon resident Mary McGinn, said: “It was a great night all round. The rain mostly held off, which was good for all the people without tents like the mayor and mayoress.

“We all enjoyed the entertainment, young and old - and the bacon rolls in the morning were very welcome.

“It’s all for such a good cause – I know some people were raising money for their own charities, but my sponsor money’s going to the Wimbledon Guild, because it does so much for people in our area, and it relies so much on donations.”

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