Raconteur, writer and Scrabble champion Gyles Brandreth was the guest speaker at an annual charity lunch to help disabled people lead more independent lives.

Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People (QEF), which has its headquarters in Woodlands Road, Leatherhead, hosted its spring ladies’ lunch at Epsom Downs Racecourse last Thursday.

As well as lunch and an address by actor and broadcaster Brandreth, a gift fair was set up with stalls offering gifts, clothing and exotic foods.

Brandreth also signed copies of his books on the Queen and Prince Philip and the Seven Secrets of Happiness.

The money raised from the lunch will go towards funding new accessible computer equipment at QEF’s independent living services.

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