Broadcaster and entertainer Nicholas Parsons, the longstanding chairman of BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute comedy show, was the guest speaker at the annual dinner of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) Manchester and District branch.

The event, at the Lowry Hotel, attracted 85 guests and £1,100 was raised to boost healthcare for sick babies and children.

The funds will go to MedEquip4Kids, a charity that works across the North West to provide paediatric medical equipment.

Branch President Alan Budenberg, Chartered MCSI, provided an update at the dinner on local committee activities while Kevin Moore, Chartered MCSI, Director of Global Business Development at the CISI, highlighted latest Institute-wide developments.

The event was sponsored by M&G Ltd, AVIVA Investors, Invesco Perpetual, Liontrust, ETF Securities and Schroders.