Last week I entered enemy territory.

No, I wasn't asked to go back to Afghanistan, but to Portsmouth, a place I don't frequent where, surprisingly enough, some people still recognise me.

And while we usually exchange good-natured banter, the rivalry still exists.

I had no qualms about my journey on this occasion, though.

One of the charities I have been involved with a long time as Hampshire president is the Lord's Taverners, a wonderful national organisation whose members raise fortunes every year, usually towards the cost of vehicles for the disabled.

I joined up with county chairmen Katie Pentling and Bob Kemp on belhalf of the Lady Taverners of Hampshire at East Shore - a day school for 80 youngsters between two and 19 years of age who have profound and severe learning difficulties.

Many of them have other needs associated with physical disabilities, autism or medical conditions.

The minibus, presented to headmaster Paul Clarke, will provide access to the community as well as to enjoy off-site activities including work experience, PE and swimming.

The 16-seat wheelchair-accessible mini bus, costing £33,000, was funded by the Lady Taverners and the East Shore School themselves, who contributed more than £9,000 through their own fund raising efforts.

We spent a few hours with the children and I tried to have a laugh with the youngsters.

Jimmy Savile once pointed out to me: "If you don't have a laugh, you'll have a cry."

The highlight of the morning was the official hand-over of keys to the headmaster to cheers from the assembled children, teachers, volunteers and parents.

Inevitably there were many blue shirts on display and one cheeky mum handed me a windcheater with a certain badge, which the local photographers took great delight in snapping.

I didn't mind - it was all for a good cause. And I have my own way of dealing with the mickey-taking. I just remember that in my time at The Dell it was played five, won five!