A TOP newsreader has shown his support for a Winchester charity at its latest coffee morning. 

More than £300 was raised by the Winchester branch of Home-Start, a charity which supports young families in need, at Rick Stein's restaurant in the High Street on July 12. 

Dozens of supporters attended, including the charity's patron ex ITV and GB News journalist Alastair Stewart OBE. 

He said he was keen to show his support for the charity's good work. 

Trustee Sue Gentry said: “Home-Start is increasingly reliant on donations from supporters, sponsorship from local businesses and our own fundraising to support our work with young families.

Trustee Camilla Clucas pours the coffeeTrustee Camilla Clucas pours the coffee (Image: Molly Keane)

 “We must raise over 90 per cent of our annual income every year, which is why we are so grateful to supporters like Rick Stein for allowing us to use their premises to fundraise.”

Home-Start Winchester offers weekly home visits by volunteers within a 12-mile radius of Winchester, and hosts activity groups once a week at their bases in Kings Worthy and Eastleigh.

The charity aims to provide support to both children and parents alike, particularly those who are living with additional needs, those with a lack of parenting experience and poor mental health. 

Tombola prizes and volunteers Sue Gentry and April ChidgeyTombola prizes and volunteers Sue Gentry and April Chidgey (Image: Molly Keane)

This is the second Home-Start Winchester event this year hosted at Rick Stein’s, with a charity lunch held earlier this year in January.

Rick Stein’s Winchester restaurant will be hosting other events to support the community, including more coffee mornings later this year, for charities such as The Children’s Society and Winchester and District Young Carers.

  • This article was written by Molly Keane, from the University of Winchester