CHARITY events raised money for a centre which helps children with learning difficulties.

A total of £8,500 was handed over to TV presenter Chris Tarrant, patron of the Phoenix Centre at its annual fete.

The centre, on Masons Hill, Bromley, provides a pre-school service for children with special needs.

Orpington Promotions Group’ charity golf day raised £5,500 for the centre from entry fees, a raffle and an auction.

News Shopper, sponsor of Biggin Hill Air Fair, donated a wing-walking session on the Utterly Butterly plane, and a ride in a Pitts Special Aerobatic aircraft, to the auction.

A partner of Orpington-based surveying firm Calford Seaden, Michael Whatford, bought both flights.

As well as buying his wing-walk at the auction, Mr Whatford also persuaded people to sponsor him and sold the other flight on. This raised a further £3,000, which he also donated to the centre. News Shopper publisher Martyn Willis said: “This is a wonderful centre which does invaluable work for these children.

“We would like to thank all the businesses involved in raising this fantastic sum and helping such a worthy cause.” Calford Seaden partner David Metcalf and charity golf day organisers, Orpington town centre manager Ian Hedges and Adrian Tuchings from Linay and Shipp Commercial Estate Agents, were on hand for the presentation.