Aspiring chefs at Telford College raised more than £700 for charity by cooking up a mouthwatering menu of treats for a fundraising bake sale.

Around 40 professional cookery students created a selection of sweet and savoury bakes at the college’s on-site restaurant, The Orange Tree, to sell to the public.

The menu included a range of homemade sausage rolls, quiches, doughnuts, gluten-free and vegan bakes, plus fruit tarts, apple pies, Victoria sponge, chocolate cake, and lemon drizzle cake. 

A total of £715 was raised for locally-based charity Stay, which provides supported housing and services for homeless and vulnerable people in Telford and Wrekin. 

Sam Haydon, the charity’s fundraising manager, visited the restaurant at the college’s Wellington campus to thank the staff and students involved.

The charity said: “For over 30 years, Stay has been at the heart of the Telford and Wrekin community. We believe that ending homelessness requires a collective effort, which is why we work in close partnership with local organisations, services, and the people around us.

“By combining our specialist expertise with homely, supported accommodation, we can work with people to overcome barriers and build the foundations for a brighter, more independent future.”

Jodie Allen, learner manager for hair, beauty and catering at Telford College, said: “Our students’ enthusiasm, teamwork and creativity were key ingredients in the success of the fundraiser. They worked so hard, and laid on a fantastic spread of treats.”

Stay has been the department’s chosen charity this year, and fundraising activities have now generated more than £1,000.