Manchester businessman Michael Josephson MBE dropped into Seashell Trust to meet the students and hand over a cheque for an extraordinary £73,567.

Michael is a long-term supporter of the Cheadle Hulme charity – which educates and cares for profoundly disabled children from across the country– and chose it as a beneficiary of his inaugural ball.

The money was raised at the society philanthropist’s glamorous summer event at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

Around 400 guests, including Hollywood actor Warwick Davies and stars from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, were entertained by popstar Lulu.

Rachel McCrystal, from the Seashell Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Michael Josephson MBE as our Ambassador and supporter are looking forward to be one of the charity  partners of the Summer ball again in 2019.”

A total of £256,900 raised was shared between Seashell Trust and two other children’s charities. Michael was awarded the MBE by the Queen in 2016 for his services to charity.