A REGULAR of the Bicknoller Inn, Roger Polsom, turned his hobby of cooking into a money spinner for charity by becoming a Masterchef for the night.

He served 60 meals of a five star quality and raised £1300 for Mind in Somerset in a ‘guest chef’ event at the pub.

Landlady Lesley Davis said it was “an absolutely brilliant night – Roger really came up with the goods.

“Everyone had a fantastic time, really enjoyed the food and laughed late into the night.”

Roger’s menu featured local scallops, fish pie or steak and kidney pudding with a vanilla panna cotta or chocolate mousse for dessert.

The fundraising event also featured a raffle, with local producers donating prizes. They included meat and fish from Faun and Co of Bicknoller and Weston Bay, and treats and vouchers from many other local eateries and pubs including the Plough in Holford, Reeves in Dunster, Palmers brewery and the Castle of Comfort.

Roger said: “It was a great night – but I’m never doing it again!”

Staff at The Bicknoller Inn felt that mental health was an important and worthwhile cause that could “do with a bit of a boost”, particularly in rural areas.

Maria Taylor, of Mind in Somerset’s Wiser Money project, said: “We are really delighted with this generous donation, and so impressed with the generosity and goodwill of the staff and the customers at the Bicknoller Inn.

“The guest chef evening is a new idea and a delicious sounding one! All their hard work will go towards supporting people who are suffering with their mental health in Somerset through one of our many services throughout the county, we really can’t thank you all enough.”