CATERING students have put on a feast to raise money for a hospice in memory of former Northern Echo assistant editor Tony Metcalf.

The level three students at Darlington College used ingredients from their final assessment to cook a six course tasting menu and put on a feast in aid of the town's St Teresa's Hospice.

Senior lecturer Dawn Cobb-Neate and restaurant manager Lesley Cain-Metcalf organised the event because the hospice is a cause close to their hearts.

Lesley’s husband Tony, who worked at the Northern Echo for 13 years and was head of journalism at Darlington College, was looked after by the hospice as was Dawn’s father.

Dawn said: "A lot of people at college have links with St Teresa’s and we thought this was a great way to use up the provisions we had in for students’ assessments.

"Everyone had a good night and it was great experience for the students in terms of using their skills and helping their local community.”

Diners feasted on a menu of crab crumpet, pea velouté, seared cod, seabass, smoked salmon and clams, caviar and samphire, pork, beef, venison, lamb loin and chocolate hazelnut brownie with chocolate mousse and mixed berry ice cream.

The £20-a-head meal and collections on the night raised more than £500 for the hospice, which needs to raise £3m a year to provide free in-patient and community care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.

The pandemic saw countless fundraising events cancelled and its charity shops forced to close during lockdown.

An emergency appeal, launched at the start of the pandemic, is still running and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/hugtostts.

Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “The college is a brilliant resource for the town which has turned out some incredible young people in all manner of fields. We were absolutely thrilled when they offered to help us at a time when we are still trying to recover from the financial impact of Covid.

“It has been the toughest of times but we have managed to keep helping people in their greatest time of need and the community is rallying behind us so we can continue our essential work.”