SCHOOL chef Carl Thompson helped cook up a treat for a leading children's charity.
Mr Thompson, unit manager for educational catering firm Scolarest at Easington Community School, helped raise £3,000 for ChildLine and has been thanked for his efforts by the charity's chairwoman Esther Rantzen.
The 29-year-old, of Sunderland, spearheaded fundraising efforts by Scolarest staff at Easington Community School, St Bede's School in Lanchester, Teesdale School in Barnard Castle, Dene Community School in Peterlee and St Bede's Catholic Comprehensive in Peterlee.
It was part of the company's national drive to raise money for the free 24-hour helpline for youngsters.
Money-spinning events held by Scolarest in the County Durham area - including sponsored walks and silences, cookie bakes, a skydive, a sponsored swim, a fun day and raffles - have so far raised £3,000.
Ms Rantzen met Scolarest's top fundraising chefs from across the country at an event in London.
She said: "Carl and his team have done brilliantly to have raised so much money for ChildLine and we really appreciate their efforts.
"We are delighted that Scolarest is supporting our work in this way."
Scolarest, part of the Compass Group, hopes to raise £30,000 for ChildLine by October.
"The way our managers, staff and clients have responded to the challenge to raise money for ChildLine has been an absolute inspiration," said the managing director of Scolarest, Steven Watts.
"I have been thrilled by their energy, enthusiasm and determination to help support ChildLine's tremendously important work.
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