A charity dinner to support families with youngsters in need of a helping hand raised £5,000.

The event, held at Le Raj restaurant, in Fir Tree Road, Epsom Downs, on Tuesday, was hosted by MP Chris Grayling for his charity of the year, Home Start.

Home Start offers home-visiting volunteer support to families with at least one child under five who face difficulties such as illness or disability, isolation, multiple birth or other life events which make parenting particularly challenging, in Epsom, Ewell and Banstead.

The volunteers are parents themselves and provide confidential and non-judgmental support to help families through a tough time and to give children the best possible start in life.

Mr Grayling said: "Home Start does really valuable work with local families.

"I am really grateful to Le Raj for supporting such a successful evening and an important local charity."

Enam Ali MBE, founder of Le Raj, added: "Le Raj is a committed to supporting the local community and it is a privilege to be associated with and to help raise funds for Home Start."

For more information about Home Start call 01737 379902, email homestart@hseeb.org.uk or visit www.hseeb.org.