A RESTAURANT'S charity cook-off in Manningtree has been hailed a huge success.

The event saw young players from the Lawford youth football team step into the Mogul's kitchen to recreate the restaurant’s signature dishes.

They got to work under head chef Minnar Miah’s expert guidance.

The budding cooks helped raise more than £1,000 for an auction dinner for the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, organised by Ben Hubbard.

The fun-filled competition was judged by a professional chef, and the winning team scooped tickets to the charity auction and a day out at Ipswich Battle Park.

“The event was a great success,” said Ben.

“Everyone had a fantastic time. It’s wonderful to see the community coming together for such an important cause.”

With preparations for January’s charity auction dinner already in full swing, Ben is encouraging local businesses to continue supporting the effort.

The Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity supports hospital and community health services in north Essex and east Suffolk.