MORE than £700 was raised for HIV victims when a South African game park guide showed his award-winning photographs in Harpenden.

Regular customers of local company 2 By 2 Holidays, which is based in the High Street, gathered at the Harpenden House Hotel for an illustrated talk by from wildlife photographer Jaco Powell last week.

After a South African-themed meal, with biltong (dried meat) and wine from the Stellenbosch region, a sealed auction was held for a selection of his photographs, framed by Artscape of Harpenden.

Harpenden mayor Rosemary Farmer, who drew the raffle prizes, said: “This was a very enjoyable taste of South Africa – food, wine, photos and an excellent guest speaker.”

Publicist Peter Vezey told the Review today: "We've only just counted the proceeds.

"Overall, the award made £725 for Living Hope, an HIV/Aids charity in South Africa."