A FORMER Special Branch cop came to the rescue of a charity and helped its fundraising event go ahead.

Deputy mayor Carl Storer, who had an illustrious career with the Met Police, had attended the buffet evening for WGC-based charity the Mixed Group to hear a speech from resident Reg Gwilliam.

But due to ill health Mr Gwilliam had to pull out at the last minute.

Charity organiser Sean Cox, not wanting to cancel the event, which helps to raise funds for a Christmas Day lunch for the elderly and lonely, called on the borough councillor.

Mr Cox said: “Cllr Storer talked about life in the police and Special Branch and even held a question-and-answer session, too.

“We raised around �700 and of course send our best wishes to Reg, too.”