Top chefs from across the south west came together for a charity dinner to raise a record amount of money for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

The dinner took place on November 20 at Carbis Bay Estate's Ugly Butterfly venue, where an astonishing £160,428 was donated.

This event, the charity partner of Carbis Bay Estate since 2022, was coordinated by the Cornwall Air Ambulance Philanthropy Forum, Carbis Bay Estate and the Ugly Butterfly, with contributions from local, national and international businesses.

The evening brought together South West chefs, including Adam Handling, Jude Kereama, Paul Ainsworth, Chris McClurg, Eddy Rains, Jamie Park, Tim Kendall, Simon Davies, Craig Barrett and South West Junior Chef of the Year, Freya Barrett.

The chefs presented an array of personalised dishes, all using local, seasonal Cornish produce.

Falmouth Packet: The evening brought together South West chefs including Adam Handling, Jude Kereama, Paul Ainsworth

The event was hosted by Daphne Skinnard and included performances from the Cornwall Youth Choir, Shane Solomon, and West End star Lucie Jones.

Artist Sherree Valentine Daines also added to the evening's entertainment by live painting a seascape canvas, which was later added to the auction alongside other unique lots donated by businesses from Cornwall and beyond.

Stephen Baker of Carbis Bay Estate said: "We are so delighted to have raised so much for such a worthwhile cause.

"Carbis Bay Estate is very proud to support Cornwall Air Ambulance, which is such an important part of the emergency services in the South West.

"We look forward to raising more funds for them with our Coastal Christmas Market this December and invite all to come along for some festive cheer for such a great cause."

Dr Karen Dickens of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Ambassador and Philanthropy Forum added: "Monday was the most amazing evening, not only did we launch the HELi2 Appeal and our Jess’ Journey Christmas Campaign, but we managed to achieve a record-breaking fundraising total to kick-start our fundraising for a second helicopter for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

"This is going to make such a difference to so many people and enable our incredible crew to continue to save lives and keep families together."

Carbis Bay Estate continues to actively support the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, with initiatives such as inviting departing guests to include a donation on their bill and the selling of branded merchandise from their Promenade Deli and Beach Shop, with all profits going directly to the trust.