The first-ever Prince's Trust fundraising concert in Elmbridge raised £25,000.

Entertainer, Richard Stilgoe compred the sold-out black tie event at the Menuhin Hall in Stoke D'Abernon last Wednesday, November 29, performed by Menuhin School students.

Cobham resident, Jeannie Gordon, who organised the event with Nina Kaye started volunteering for the Prince's Trust when she sold her business.

She said: "It was always something I wanted to do and when I got the chance to become involved I jumped at it."

She organised auction prizes including a signed Chelsea t-shirt and a trip to Silverstone race-course plus a dinner with Chris Tarrant, which went for £2,000, as well as raffle items including a Waitrose hamper and a palmtop computer-phone. She also put together a short film.

Mr Stilgoe proved an entertaining host, as he introduced the young musicians playing composers including Chopin and Schumann plus the mesmerising Pachelbel's Canon.

He said: "The Prince's Trust has faith in those who don't have faith in themselves" and he joked: "This is a concert by and for young people, the only one left out is me."

Ms Gordon is currently setting up Teen, which organises community projects and Excel clubs, which help youngsters find direction.

The trust is also developing an awards programme for 14 to 25-year-olds who need cash to help get them started.