AWARD-WINNING BBC comedy scriptwriter Paul Mayhew-Archer entertained a Teignmouth audience with a fundraising presentation for The Helen Foundation.

Spiced with video clips from The Vicar of Dibley and Mrs Brown’s Boys – top shows Paul has worked on – he related stories from his life in the BBC at the town council’s Bitton House.

Four years ago, Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and recently made a film about the condition for the BBC, which has been shortlisted for Britain’s most prestigious documentary awards, The Grierson Awards 2016.

At Teignmouth, Paul blended hilarious personal anecdotes with keen insights into living with Parkinson’s.

Roger Kirk, chairman of the The Helen Foundation (THF), said: ‘Paul was very warmly received by the audience, who left buzzing with the inspirational and uplifting effect of the evening.

‘I’ve known Paul for nearly 40 years since we first met as fellow English teachers in the 1970s. Since Paul left teaching for work in the BBC, we have remained firm friends.

‘Paul knew our daughter Helen and we were delighted when he offered to present the evening on behalf of THF.

‘We decided to donate the separate raffle to Parkinson’s UK and Paul personally doubled the amount raised so that both THF and Parkinson’s UK would benefit equally.

‘Overall, the evening raised nearly £650 for THF. The event sold out three weeks in advance and we are sure those in the audience and those unable to attend would be delighted if Paul were able to return to Teignmouth at some point in the future.

‘We all wish him success in the approaching Grierson Awards. We thank mayor Terry Falcao, who attended the event with his partner, Judy Saunders, for allowing us to use Bitton House, an excellent venue for the event.’