POLICEMAN turned television star turned author, Mike Pannett, gave a talk and answered questions at a session in Ilkley to raise hundreds of pounds for a sixth-former's expedition to Nepal.

An Evening With Mike Pannett took place at the Clarke Foley Centre last Wednesday (January 27), to raise money for St Mary's Menston student Rebecca Hyde's World Challenge trip.

Rebecca, 16, who is also a guide and venture scout, interviewed Mr Pannett after his talk, about his career as a police officer - both in London and as a rural officer and wildlife officer in North Yorkshire - and about his book, Mike Pannett's Yorkshire.

He was inspired to take up writing after taking part in BBC documentary series, Country Cops.

The night raised £500 towards Rebecca's World Challenge expedition.