A Hamilton bartender has raised cash for a charity linked to special needs school Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy after he was inspired by a friend.

Noel Hodgson, who works at Court Street’s Spinning Wheel, said a longtime friend had a special needs daughter — so he picked the Friends of Hope Academy as the recipient of funds from his annual Solid Gold Old School Party at the bar and club.

Mr Hodgson said: “No one has to come to me when I make my decision — I see when people need it and I go to them.”

He added: “The needs for individuals and groups within the special needs community are huge and I knew I needed to do something to assist.”

Mr Hodgson visited the school to meet students and teachers as he handed over the $500 donation to Julie Lynn, the director of FOHA.

He said: “The kids are inspirational and the passion of the staff there has led me to make them recipients again for future events.”

Mr Hodgson added: “I’d encourage anyone looking for an entertaining night out for a mature crowd, most importantly with a purpose, to help others to attend future events in 2018 and beyond.”

The bash, which now uses both floors of the Spinning Wheel, coincided with the end of daylight saving time and the “party with a purpose” was held on November 4 last year.

Mr Hodgson said his background in hospitality underlined the need for entertainment through his company New Reformed Productions.

He thanked the Spinning Wheel for hosting the big night, which brought in sound system Stone Love Movement for the event.

Entertainers included DJ Rory, billed as the world’s top blind DJ, with DJ Touchtone from Philadelphia and island DJs including Magnum Force with Fadda Maggie and DJ Jada, DJ Radigun, DJ Cavon and the Playboy Sound with DJ Trevor and Kid Fresh.