A St Albans father is organising an evening of Caribbean music and food to raise money for his disabled son’s school.

Michael Wallace, 46, has been running events in support of Collett School in Hemel Hempstead for the last few years.

Last year, he raised £3,000, and hopes to hit the same target for the school and the Starlight neonatal ward at Barnet hospital.

Michael said: “I’m trying to make it a good community event as the school do amazing work, and because it’s something personal to me.”

The Collett School, attended by Michael’s son Noah and several other St Albans children, is a special needs school for pupils aged between four and 17.

The money raised last year went towards a trampoline which was built into the floor to help prevent pupils injuring themselves.

The school also used the money to buy sensory equipment to support the half of their pupils who are autistic.

Starlight neonatal ward cares for up to 30 premature and sick babies, and is the only unit in the UK where parents can stay at the hospital with their children.

Father-of-three Michael said: “The school do not get a lot of money, that is done through fundraising. So I said I was happy to help and came up with the idea of doing a Caribbean fundraising event.

“There is quite a big Afro-Caribbean community in St Albans, but we only seem to get together when there is a funeral.

“It’s not just for the Afro-Caribbean community though, we have all different nationalities attending, and we are looking to attract people from all over the district.”

Michael is asking local businesses to donate raffle prizes, and has already received vouchers from Nando’s, Starbucks, and Toni and Guy.

The event, called Carib Chill Runninz, is being held at New Green Social Club in St Albans on Saturday, December 9 from 7pm until midnight.

In addition to the raffle and food, there will be music from local artists Miss Fiona, Maulo, and Tricks Rtb, who has been featured on BBC Three Counties and BBC Radio 1xtra.

Tickets are £30 for adults and £16 for children, and can be purchased by emailing kickoffat3@yahoo.com