A record turnout of almost 1,400 helped Norwood raise £3.2 million from its annual dinner at Grosevenor House in central London.

In keeping with the theme of "The Future Is Young", there were 400 young supporters at the event, at which former South African President FW de Klerk was interviewed on stage by broadcaster Tania Bryer and clients of the children and families charity told of its life-altering support.

Charity chair David Ereira said that Young Norwood members were more than fundraisers, also giving practical support through activities such as befriending. They were not just Norwood's future leadership but that of the community.

Paying tribute to "our amazing volunteers", Norwood co-president Lady Mendelsohn went on to note that with statutory funding under strain, it was imperative to manage costs efficiently. But that did not make the charity any less ambitious.

"We never stop in our quest to provide outstanding service for anyone who needs it."