Wycombe’s MP joined crowds in Disraeli to raise money for new school iPads – and he even completed a short stint in the local convenience store.

Steve Baker donned a Tara’s News jumper for his two-hour shift at the Brindley Avenue shop.

Dozens of people attended the festive fundraiser on Friday, which featured carol singers, face painters and a number of stalls.

The event was organised by Raaj Chandarana, who runs the family business.

The event ran from 1pm to 4.30pm and was in aid of the ‘iPads4Disraeli’ campaign, which looks to provide new Apple technology in The Disraeli School and Children’s Centre, in The Pastures.

Mr Chandarana said he represents a group of retailers in the UK and was invited to the Houses of Parliament earlier this year. There, he told Mr Baker that, if he wanted his vote, he would have to do a shift in Tara’s News.

The Conservative MP obliged and turned up for his 2pm to 4pm shift last week, during the festive fair.

Mr Chandarana said that lots of people showed their support by coming to Friday’s event.

Bucks Free Press:

Speaking on why he thinks it is important to fundraise for The Disraeli School, he said: “The school really needed to update their technology. The youth of today are the leaders for tomorrow.”

Mr Chandarana said he helped in his father’s shop since he was a young boy, but it was not until last year that he decided to take on the role full time.

He said: “I have been at the shop since I was ten years old. I hated it and out of the blue I had an epiphany. It came from the heart and I’m a natural at it as well.”

He added: “For me I just want to do what is right for the local people. It’s really what High Wycombe is about. We worked hard to get this community support.”

Mr Baker served customers in the convenience store and spoke with the manager about topical items such as minimum wage.

Mr Chandarana added: “It’s good to see someone in a suit who sits in the Houses of Parliament come and see what we’re doing at grass roots level.”

Enough money was raised to buy four and a half iPads, with Tara’s News chipping in the remaining amount to bump up the funds needed for five.