A CRICKETING legend has helped a Winchester homeless charity raise nearly £7,000.

Sir Ian Botham was the special guest at the Trinity Winchester event held at Hotel du Vin.

Guests were welcomed by Sir Ian into the hotel courtyard where there was music by local band, Jazz Mash 5 playing and Champagne and canapés being served.

A three-course dinner was served followed by a Q&A session with Sir Ian and an auction.

David Walton, chairman of trustees, said: “‘It was a marvellous night. Not only did we raise vital funds ensuring we can continue to help over 800 homeless and vulnerably housed people in Winchester every year but also many of us in the room got to meet our sporting hero. We are extremely grateful to Sir Ian and Hotel du Vin for a very successful evening.”

Grant Callaghan, general manager of the hotel threw a lunch for six into the auction which raised £500.

Meanwhile the Trinity is preparing for the Big Sleep Out at Winchester Cathedral tomorrow night. See report in next week's Chronicle.