A WORLD record-holding explorer helped a local business raise £15,000 for two military charities.

Ed Stafford told guests about his 860-day trek across the length of the Amazon, which earned him a Guinness world Record.

The event was held by Christchurch architects and surveying firm Elcock Associates in aid of Scotty’s little soldiers and Pilgrim Bandits.

Adam Elcock, managing director of Elcock Associates, said: “It’s the third fundraiser we’ve held and Elcock Associate’s 10th anniversary so we wanted to make it special for everyone attending. We’re delighted with everyone’s generosity.

“As a former soldier having served in various war zones and my wife who lost her first husband in Afghanistan in the Nimrod crash, we are all too aware of the effect on families and we hope that our donation will help the charities achieve some of their goals.”

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity which supports the children of men and women killed while serving in the British Armed Forces and the Pilgrim Bandits creates opportunities for injured veterans.

The guests also enjoyed a comedy compere, a “money can’t buy” auction and a luxury raffle.