Cricket star Phil Tufnell bowls them over at charity bash

The former England spin bowler, now a TV star, has become known as much for his off the field antics as his skills with a cricket ball.

And there was much material to delve into as he took to the stage as after-dinner speaker at an event in Brierley Hill last night. Tufnell was guest at a fundraiser for the Midlands Air

Ambulance and spinal injuries charity Trust PA at the Copthorne Hotel at The Waterfront.

He happily chatted with VIPs, shared jokes with guests and posed for pictures ahead of dinner being served.

"It has been lovely to be here and they've been so friendly and it is to help raise money for two great causes," he said.

"I've spoken to quite a few cricket fans here tonight excited about the Ashes this winter. I don't think it is going to be quite as straightforward as this summer and I think it will be a lot tighter."

A four-course dinner was served before the evening's entertainment including a guest spot by Tufnell and a charity auction selling memorabilia including a signed Phil Tufnell picture.

Air ambulance regional fundraising manager Sophia Voutianitis said: "It is wonderful to have Phil here and we have to thank Jilly Edge from Events with the Edge who organised the evening. We have to raise £6 million a year to keep the aircraft in the sky so we need all the support we can get."

Susannah Griffiths, partner at Wall James Chappell solicitors, added: "It is a great turn out and we are so pleased so be able to help support the two charities by sponsoring the event."