SKATING star Jayne Torvill was special guest at the 16th anniversary seaside charity lunch organised by the Kent and East Sussex Lady Taverners at Eastbourne’s Grand Hotel.

The event raised £7,000 and also saw the official handover of a minibus for the Chailey Heritage School in Lewes, purchased through money raised at previous lunches in the town and the support of Sussex solicitors Gaby Hardwicke, the main sponsors of the annual event.

The focus of the Lady Taverners’ is fundraising for specially adapted minibuses and sport and recreation facilities for young people with special needs.

The sell-out lunch attracted 220 ladies and businesswomen from Eastbourne and the surrounding area.

The event got off to a sparkling start with a drinks reception and the lunch featured a raffle and “The Flicks” tribute act.

Laura Collins, chairman of the Kent and Sussex Region, welcomed the guests who also included Lady Taverners national chairman Carole Garner.

Laura’s husband, Bob “The Cat” Bevans, was Master of Ceremonies and kept everyone entertained during the afternoon.

Mrs Collins said: “In our 30th anniversary year the theme of this year’s lunch is inspiration.

“I am amazed how far we have come from the first lunch with 60 ladies to what is now one of our major fundraising events.

“The focus has always been fundraising and fun.”