A BARBECUE chef has raised £1,000 to help support families who are struggling to navigate the cost-of-living crisis this winter.

Head chef at Cirencester-based smokehouse Cheeky Swine Neil Johnson hosted a three-course meal at his pub Bee's Knees - which is situated in Watermoor Road, Cirencester - on Wednesday, November 1 to raise money for Cirencester Food Bank.

The local food bank was formed in 2012 and is part of The Trussell Trust network.

It supports individuals and families across a 210 square miles radius, covering the southern section of the Cotswold District, and provides three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food for people in crisis.

Diners also won prizes in a raffle at the event such as treatments from We Love Beauty, items from G.H. Knight stationery shop, a bottle of whiskey from Shepherd Smail and Co, vouchers for Octavia’s Bookshop, and a meal from Indian Rasoi as well as foodie goodies from Henry’s and Jack’s coffee shop.

Neil said: "It was a great night, we had live music and a magician as well to keep the diners occupied in between the courses.

“It is a worthy cause, at any time of year.” 
 
Anton Wynn, head of Cirencester Food Bank, said: “We were stunned when we were told how much had been raised on the night. 

"We are so grateful to everyone who turned out to support the fundraising event, all the wonderful local businesses who gave prizes for the raffle and especially thankful to Neil and the team at the Cheeky Swine for being champions for our charity and helping to raise this huge sum. 

"As well as raising funds, which will go to support local people in crisis, the event gave our foodbank team the chance to meet and talk with people about the work of the foodbank, which goes beyond just providing food parcels.

"It was a fantastic evening!”