Three charities have benefitted from a combined donation of £24,060, following the success of a business ‘cook-off’.

Baines Wilson LLP and Barclays went head-to-head in the kitchen to raise cash for the good causes, supported by Lake District Hotels - which offered up the Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa as a venue.

Law firm Baines Wilson emerged victorious on the night, during which diners donated what they felt their meal was worth.

The total raised included £6,000 of matched funding from Barclays, and £6,390 of matched funding received by Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF). Kitchen Rivals has now raised £60,000 over the past three events.

CCF, Carlisle Eden Mind and Keswick Scouts will all get a share of the funds.

Andy Beeforth, from the community foundation, said: “Tragically, fuel poverty leads to vulnerable people dying each winter and causes terrible harm to physical health and mental health. The Winter Warmth Fund is being used to help vulnerable, older people in our county. By working with our partners at Age UK, we have been able to reach those most in need.

“The amazing generosity of people never ceases to inspire me. I’d like to thank Baines Wilson for their continued support of the Winter Warmth Fund and everyone who attended Kitchen Rivals.

"Money raised from the event was match funded, meaning we have been able to provide even more support towards heating homes across Cumbria and keeping households warm and healthy.”

Jonny Winter, Scout Leader at Keswick Scouts, said: “The support of a major local business like Lake District Hotels really is invaluable to Keswick Scouts.

"The fundraising will go towards the renovations of Ashness hut. After decades of use, we’re looking to renovate this much-used facility so it can continue as a community resource long into the future. "Planning permission has been sought to replace the existing hut with a larger hut so as to accommodate two separate dormitory rooms, a leader’s dormitory, a kitchen, two indoor composting toilets, and a dining area.”

And Michael Boaden, from Carlisle Eden Mind, said: “We were delighted to have been nominated by Barclays as one of the charities to benefit from the Kitchen Rivals event.

"The generosity of all involved in terms of time, energy and financial support is both humbling and inspiring. Every penny raised for us will be used to help local people who may be struggling with mental health issues to ensure that nobody who wants help has to face their problems alone.”