Hundreds from the Midlands media world and the wider business community gathered to hear broadcaster Jon Snow at Villa Park for the Journalists’ Charity’s Annual Celebrity Lunch.

Mr Snow took part in a Q&A with BBC Midlands Today’s Nick Owen and regaled guests with tales of his life in journalism, including a recent visit to Greenland and the difficulties posed when trying to interview the late Mrs Thatcher.

Master of ceremonies for the afternoon was Central Television’s Bob Warman.

The event, which took place on the Holte Suite at Villa Park, raised thousands of pounds for the Journalists’ Charity, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. It is hoped the final total raised from the event will be in the region of £12,000.

Guests also enjoyed the chance to win a host of raffle prizes and bid for sought-after auction lots courtesy of United Airlines, Flybe, Hilton International and Tourism Ireland.

The top auction prize was two business class flights to New York and a three-night stay at the Waldorf Astoria.

The main sponsors of this year’s event were law firm Irwin Mitchell while the airline Flybe sponsored the reception.

Pictures: Dale Martin