FORMER King Edward’s Witley head boy turned Lord Mayor of the City of London helped raise £60,000 for the school’s parent charity that funds pupils in need.

Alderman Peter Estlin, who was a beneficiary of the bursary scheme, welcomed special guest The Duchess of Gloucester to the fundraising banquet he hosted in aid of Bridewell Royal Hospital foundation.

Guests included school headmaster John Attwater and new incoming head Joanna Wright, as well as civic dignitaries, livery companies, governors, staff, alumni, current pupils and parents.

Former bursary pupil and 2016 leaver Rudo Dube, now at Newcastle University, spoke movingly of how the school had helped her.

TV antiques presenter Jonty Hearnden compered a live auction.

Mr Attwater said: “It was wonderful to see such breadth of support for the work of our foundation.

“We are so grateful to the Lord Mayor.”