He's better known for helping people save their pennies, but a former journalist helped raise more than £70,000 for a Hendon based charity that supports children and adults with learning disabilities.

Consumer finance expert Martin Lewis held an event at the Lancaster Hotel, in central London, to support Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh centre, in Edgeworth Close.

Sky News presenter Samantha Simmonds attened the event, at which Mr Lewis spoke about fame, renting and payday lenders with over 250 City professionals at Norwood’s Business, Finance and Entrepreneurs Dinner.

The Hendon-based centre provides a range of services for people with disabilities, art therapy and early years literacy, as well as education for adults living in London.

During a question and answer session, Barnet resident Rachelle Adler, who has autism and is supported by Norwood, talked about how important it was for her to make her own decisions about where she lives.

Norwood board chairman Yonni Abramson said: "There was a fantastic atmosphere in the room and, thanks to the generosity of our guests, the money we raised will change thousands of lives for the better.”