MORE THAN £2,500 was raised at a gala dinner for dignitaries, where pupils did the cooking.

The Great Bucks Gala Dinner was held on Saturday, April 5 at Sir William Ramsay School in Hazlemere.

The money was raised for Young Carers Bucks and goes towards setting up more after-school chefs clubs across the county.

It was hosted by Carl Etholen, Buckinghamshire County Council's chairman, and Bill Bendyshe-Brown, deputy cabinet member for education and skills.

In all, 80 people attended the black-tie event which included a four course gourmet dinner prepared, cooked and served by pupils who attend chefs clubs at their schools.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Sir William Ramsay School, Beaconsfield High School and Princes Risborough School were among those taking part.

A highlight of the night included the presentation of certificates to all the pupils involved by the chairman.

Cllr Etholen said: "It was a fantastic evening and a great chance to catch up with fellow chairmen, as well as local councillors, representatives from businesses, organisations and charities as well as giving the young people the opportunity to excel in practising their culinary skills. The youngsters fulfilled what they set out to do and produced a gastronomic meal which was to a very high standard of cuisine similar to a top class restaurant"

Businesses donated all the raffle prizes and sponsored the event with locally sourced produce. Cllr Etholen and Cllr Bendyshe-Brown expressed their thanks to everyone who supported the event.

Cllr Bendyshe-Brown added:"Chef's Clubs are important as they help to teach children important life skills, an area I feel passionately about. The funds from the evening will help us to run a number of chefs clubs in targeted areas across the County, which I hope will encourage more children and their families to take the opportunity to benefit from."