THE Grand Hotel in Eastbourne played host to the 22nd annual East Sussex Lord’s Taverners spring lunch.

The event, held in the hotel’s Garden Restaurant, was attended by 270 local businessmen and women and raised £16,000 for the charitable organisation.

The UK’s leading cricket and disability sports charity for young people, the Lord’s Taverners strives to improve the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children with a variety of sports and recreational opportunities.

The charity was founded in 1950 at The Tavern Pub at Lord’s Cricket Ground and today has 4,500 members helping them to raise funds and deliver vital support to their communities each year.

For this year’s lunch, the Lord’s Taverners welcomed special guests comedian Barry Williams who acted as MC and ex-England cricketer Graham Gooch who took on the role of after-lunch guest speaker.

Following the traditions of previous years, Brighton businessman Angelo Cavallo provided a giant Easter egg for guests to bid on during the charity auction, which added £700 to the total raised at the event.

Jonathan Webley, general manager at The Grand Hotel, said: “We are extremely proud to have once again hosted the annual Lord’s Taverners spring lunch as we celebrate its 22nd year.

“The total amount of £16,000 raised is outstanding and we look forward to seeing it put to good use in our community.

“At The Grand we believe passionately in supporting and engaging with the local community and working with the Lord’s Taverners provides a perfect opportunity to do so.”

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, affectionately known as ‘The White Palace’ has 152-rooms.

Attractions include the Mirabelle Restaurant, health club facilities with both indoor and outdoor pools, and breath-taking views of Eastbourne’s coastline.