THE inaugural dinner of the West Kent Sporting Club raised more than £10,000 for village cricket side Bells Yew Green, near Tunbridge Wells. The dinner, which attracted illustrious after dinner speakers in soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton and England cricket selector Geoff Miller, was the brainchild of Bells Yew Green president and comedian Bob 'The Cat' Bevan.

More than 230 diners attended the dinner in Tunbridge Wells to help the club raise funds to buy a new 125-year lease on its picturesque ground. Bevan said: “We plan to hold three of these diners annually, not only to raise funds for our ground purchase but also for the development of our junior section..

“Obviously we cannot expect these figures to be repeated at every dinner, but it’s encouraging that three tables have already been booked for our next event.”

The club’s next dinner, on Thursday, June 20, will feature another hero of 1966, former Manchester United defender Nobby Stiles MBE and former Lancashire and England cricketer turned commentator Graham Fowler.

Tickets are available individually or in tables of 12 priced at £45 per head. Telephone enquiries to 01892 750094, fax 01892 750094 or email bob@bobthecatbevan.co.uk