YOUR Worcester News has received a special helping hand in producing today’s paper.

Outgoing Evesham mayor Robert Raphael took over the reins at Hylton Road yesterday having won top prize in a charity raffle.

The councillor guest edited this edition which included writing the Leader column.

“It’s been all a bit terrifying to be honest, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” said the 42-year-old.

“I sat in planning meetings with the editor Peter John during the morning and afternoon which was very interesting.”

A trained accountant who now runs Raphael’s Restaurant in Evesham, he admits that he had never considered reporting as a career path.

“I’d never thought about going into journalism. I’ve spoken to reporters in the past to do with my role as a councillor, but this is the first time I’ve seen it from this side.

“I won the prize during the Mayor of Droitwich’s ball raffle last year.”

Mr Raphael’s mayoral year comes to an end after next month’s local elections.