Gardener, broadcaster and novelist Alan Titchmarsh gave an insight into his busy life when he hosted an evening of entertainment in Elveden in aid of the NSPCC.
An evening with Alan Titchmarsh was organised by Lady Clare Iveagh, president of the West Suffolk NSPCC fund-raising committee, and was held in the magnificent Marble Hall on the Elveden Estate.
During the evening, Mr Titchmarsh discussed a number of topics including his television work, his up-bringing in Yorkshire, poetry, the Chelsea Flower Show and royalty.
Speaking about the day he received his MBE from the Queen in 2000, he said: "She leaned over and said 'you give a lot of ladies a lot of pleasure' – and I would like that quoted on my headstone."
Speaking after the event, Mr Titchmarsh said: "I was honoured to be asked here and I am glad that I am able to help the NSPCC in stamping out cruelty to children.
"I am lucky to have travelled in Britain as I know the lie of the land and I love East Anglia."
Lady Iveagh said: "This is the first event I have organised for the NSPCC and I am absolutely delighted with how successful it has been as we sold all of the tickets.
"It is fantastic that Alan Titchmarsh agreed to come here and help us out and he has been marvellous – really funny and interesting."
Tickets to the event cost £25, including a wine and canapes reception, and about £7,000 was raised from the evening.
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