More than 45 businesses came together for a breakfast meeting at Carver Barracks – and raised more than £350 for charity via a spontaneous ‘top-hat collection’.

Newport Business Association (NBA) had a meeting at the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess at the Wimbish base.

Both Tiny Tots, £250, and Newport Free Grammar School, £100, benefitted from the generous support thanks to a top-hat donation round.

NBA members were also told they had raised more than £4,500 for the Carver Barracks welfare fund over the last year.

Jeremy Rose, founder of the NBA, said: “We are delighted to support the families and soldiers at Carver Barracks. Our business members have a deep respect and affection for the Royal Engineers.

“I’d like to thank Staff Sergeant Sid Wilson for his enthusiasm and commitment to attending our NBA meetings, bridging a vital gap between the local community and the families at Carver Barracks.”

“Newport Business Association members would like to thank all at the barracks, families and serving personnel, who contribute to our local economy, help keep our homeland safe and commit their lives to keeping fellow armed services out of harms way.”