Staff and residents at a care home in Worcester are celebrating after their managing director has been named Cook Off Champion in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2024.

Latimer Court's managing director, Alison Donaldson, from Barchester’s North West and Midlands Division, topped all rivals as she cooked up a storm to raise an impressive £24,595 for the Charitable Foundation.

This Foundation helps vulnerable individuals and those with disabilities to connect with community groups in their area, by offering grants to improve mobility and quality of life.

Annually, they provide thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

In 2023, the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £225,000 which enabled them to provide vital help to 247 groups, charities and individuals.

Sticky Toffee Pudding served with clotted cream and edible flowers was one of the dishes   (Image: Barchester)

Among the dishes that won Ms Donaldson the crown were a Chicken Roulade stuffed with pork and apple sausage in a mushroom, shallot and Madeira sauce and a Sticky Toffee Pudding served with clotted cream and edible flowers.

Barchester’s Executive team, who made up the judging panel, showed their approval for her dishes.

Speaking on behalf of the staff and residents at Latimer Court, general manager, Donna Tustin said: "We are all so proud of Alison, she really is amazing – is there nothing she can’t do!

"Her dishes looked absolutely fantastic and she raised so much for the Foundation, we think she is an absolute super star!"