A charity which has championed children’s rights for 40 years is to celebrate the milestone with a cabaret dinner.

The Teddington and Hampton branch of Save the Children started out in Hampton Hill in 1969, and is hoping to celebrate the special anniversary the same way it began – by raising thousands of pounds for the vital cause.

Meanwhile, it is also a special year for the national charity, which is celebrating 90 years since it was founded.

David Cornwell, a charity worker, said: “The branch was founded to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the [Save the Children] fund and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for that most worthy of all causes – the protection of children, both in this country and abroad.”

Organisers hope the event will highlight the successes of the charity and encourage supporters to keep up the good work.

June Brown, chairman of the branch, said: “This is a special year for Save the Children and for our branch, but everyone is feeling the pinch and it’s sometimes easy to forget the children who benefit from all that hard work need us more than ever – and they feel the pinch.”

Over the years the charity has had many memorable events and supporters.

Jill Gerard, one of the founding members of the Teddington branch, said: “Over our 40 years, we have promoted over 40 different kinds of fundraisers and projects. We have always been a lively and active branch, partly because several of us have worked in showbusiness.

“Many celebrities, including Leslie Crowther, Willie Rushton, Harry H Corbett (all sadly gone) and the still celebrated Barry Cryer have graced our events.”

A special mention has been made of Stanley Junior School, Teddington, which has been a dedicated supporter for 25 years with its annual charity days.

This year they raised £687 for the fund.

Richmond resident, and long-term champion of the fund, Tim Cooke, is also commended by the branch.

The 31-year old last month ran the gruelling Marathon Des Sables, a seven-day ultra-marathon race covering more than 151 miles of the Sahara – the equivalent of running from Richmond to Cambridge and back – to raise funds for the charity and the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.

Many supporters are expected at the party on June 5, with more than 200 invitations for individuals who have been actively involved in the last 40 years.

Tickets for the celebration dinner cost £30 and are available from Rosie Rendall on 020 8398 5477.