A RECORD-BREAKING Yorkshire hotel and restaurant has raised more than £1,200 for local charities through a “secret” fish and chips takeaway.

The Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, near Leyburn, is a former holder of the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s largest portion of fish and chips.

The Heifer, like all restaurants and hotels across the UK, has been closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Head chef Craig Keenan suggested to father and son owners of the Heifer, Lewis and David Moss, that the Heifer could hold a charity fundraising event which could benefit local care charities.

Mr Moss said: “Two of our team have been doing their bit locally for the villagers of West Witton and people working in care in the local area.

"Our pastry chef Krissy has been baking biscuits and cakes and delivering them to people in the village and a local care home and our receptionist Lotti hand-makes soaps which she has been donating to local care homes and doctors.

“Our head chef Craig wanted to do something too and we thought it was a great idea.

"The support we get from the local community is just immense and we wanted to give something back.

"So we decided to hold a ‘secret’ fish and chips takeaway, for one night only and only for villagers to make sure we could do this as safely and responsibly as possible." We posted a leaflet through the door of all houses in West Witton inviting them to order fish and chips which they could collect from us. We were overwhelmed by the response and we’re delighted to have raised more than £1,200 which we are giving away to local care charities.”

“We’re usually very busy and love meeting our guests who travel from all over the UK to come and visit us. It’s been really difficult being closed. It was fantastic to get busy in the kitchen again and to raise money."