ROCK legend John Illsley helped raise almost £70,000 for Island charities at the Queen's Jubilee Gala Dinner at The Towers, Yarmouth, on Saturday.

The Dire Straits bassist performed some of the band's biggest hits including Sultans of Swing, Walk of Life and Money for Nothing in front of a packed audience.

The Towers owner, John Caulcutt, who hosted the event, said: "I judge the success of an event like this on whether we have fun and whether we raise lots of money.

"And we had fantastic fun throughout the evening raising more than £60,000, a massive amount of money which will go to local causes.

"John Illsley's set was jaw dropping and people stood open-mouthed watching him play."

Among the entertainment was Britain's Got Talent finalist, 10-year-old Calum Courtney and The Beagles who backed John Illsley along with the JC Band.

Island Lord Lieutenant, Martin White, spoke about the various charities which will benefit from the event including Sophie Rolf Trust; IOW Community Foundation; UKSA; FYT Bus; West Wight Sports and Community Centre; IOW Youth Concert Band and new equipment for Sandown's Laura Curwood, the Island's first para-triathlete.

A three-course lobster meal was followed by a main auction and silent auction conducted by Nick Bonham.

Among the items were a holiday in Mauritius; a day's shooting for eight guns; a dinner for four hosted by Indian celebrity chef Andy Varma and a portrait painted by Johnny Jonas, who has undertaken commissions for the Queen.