TV CHEF Mary Berry was on the guest list for a North Yorkshire fundraiser that garnered more than £30,000 for the Archbishop of York Youth Trust.

About 70 guests joined the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, at Bowcliffe Hall in Bramham near Wetherby on Friday night to enjoy a five-course menu designed and cooked by the Michelin-starred chef Frances Atkins of The Yorke Arms.

Mary, and her son Tom, were among the guests for the event which was courtesy of the hall's owner, Jonathan Turner.

She said: “I am all for supporting the young and the Youth Trust is supporting our children for the future. Bowcliffe Hall is a beautiful venue and Frances Atkins food was simply delicious.”

Guests heard from two schools currently taking part in the Young Leaders Award (YLA), run by the Youth Trust. Students from St Johns CE Primary Academy in Brighouse and Bishop Young Academy in Seacroft shared their experiences of the YLA in addition to partaking in a cookery lesson from Frances Atkins and helping the Bowcliffe team serve canapes to the guests.

The Youth Trust aims to inspire generations of young leaders to change the world for the better by developing character and leadership skills. Through the YLA, the Youth Trust has empowered over 80,000 young people in 650 schools to learn and practice leadership skills that make a difference in other people’s lives.

Dr Sentamu said: “It was a joy and delight to hear from the young people what they have learned from their experience of the Young Leaders Award. Working together, thinking of others and serving their communities brings light into our world, and change for the better. Young People are our future. Through the generosity and support of the guests this evening the Youth Trust will be able to reach more schools and encourage more young people to make a difference. Fantastic!”

Mr Turner said: “The event has been a success in every aspect and all the monies raised will further boost the inspirational work of the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust in developing the next generation of leaders. An enormous ‘thank you’ to everyone involved for making the evening so memorable.”