GIDLEIGH Park is a grand place to dine — so grand it attracted the creator of Downton Abbey to speak at a charity dinner that has raised more than £20,000.

The dinner, organised by the John Casson Foundation, took place in aid of South West adoption agency Families for Children.

Seventy guests attended the sell-out event at Gidleigh Park, sponsored by wealth management company Brewin Dolphin and independent wine merchant Private Cellar, raising £22,891 for the charity.

Guests enjoyed a memorable talk from the award winning actor and writer of Downton Abbey Lord Julian Fellowes.

This was followed by a gourmet dinner created by Gidleigh Park's two Michelin Starred chef Michael Caines MBE, who was himself adopted through Families for Children, and a patron of families for the charity.

Ally Colton, Families for Children fundraising and publicity co-ordinator said: 'All the guests had a fabulous evening and we would like to sincerely thank Lord Julian Fellowes and everyone who sponsored and attended this event.

'All of the money raised will be used to support our adoptive families who parent children from abusive backgrounds and together we can change these children's lives, giving them the tools to become responsible, loving adults.'

Every year, Families for Children aims to place 40 children, and has already placed 38 this year.

As well as the dinner, there was a speech from BBC broadcaster Judi Spiers, and a lively auction, with lots including a diamond pendant donated by Michael Spiers which sold for £1,400.