An evening of food, music and fundraising with a best of British theme, has seen travel and tourism students at West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield, boost funds for their favourite charity.

The fine dining experience on took place at the college’s Refined restaurant at the Derby Road campus and was organised by Foundation degree Tourism and Events Management students as part of their university-level studies.

The event was held in honour of the curriculum area’s favourite children’s charity, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which the college has supported for more than six years.

The group worked closely with student chefs to prepare a British themed menu which included dishes such as lemonade battered fish served with chips and mushy peas and Eton mess in the three-course extravaganza.

They spoke with learners who are studying hospitality supervision to create suitably themed cocktails and mocktails such as The Bramble, a cocktail of gin, sugar syrup, lemon juice and blackberry liqueur, for diners to enjoy with their meals.

A total of £231 was raised on the night which was gathered in from £5 from each diner’s meal price and through a prize raffle and tombola.

Entertainment during the evening was provided by the college’s music students who sang a medley of classic British songs.

Student Bradley Houlton said: “It’s been really interesting working with the student chefs to come up with our menu. They helped provide lots of suggestions for tasty British classics with a twist.

“As a group we’ve worked really well to organise the fundraising dinner and we’re getting more and more confident with putting on large-scale events and managing them effectively.”

Students and diners were joined by volunteers from Sheffield-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Elaine Milner and Jan Crowson, who held a prize raffle and sold novelty goods on the night.