CULINARY finesse of the highest order was experienced by lucky diners supporting the opening night of a Furness fundraising extravaganza featuring world-class chefs.

Michelin-starred chefs created a stunning six course menu for the opening event of the fifth annual celebrity chefs extravaganza in aid of the Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund and held at Clarence House Country Hotel and Restaurant, in Dalton. The fund raises thousands of pounds to support needy families, community groups and charities across Furness.

Diners were last night wowed with the impressive fine dining experience courtesy of a trio of culinary geniuses and their teams who all use Lake District Farmers meat products in their top notch London establishments; Tom Aikens, who, when he was just 26, became the youngest chef to hold two Michelin stars, Phil Howard a two-Michelin star chef of 17 years and Rachel Humphrey, the first female head chef at Michelle Roux Jr’s world-famous two Michelin starred Le Gavroche.

Tom Aikens, whose fourth course was Eric's Herdwick lamb rack with braised shoulder, white bean cassoulet and braised shallots said: "For me it is one of the most amazing events, highlight of the year. Not only is it a great charity, but to be here with all the other chefs as well is a great treat."

Mr Aikens said Lake District Farmers is "really at top of their game" for quality meat, he said "it's absolutely amazing, the best of the best."

The event continues tonight at Clarence House Country Hotel and Restaurant with another incredible menu being created by London restaurateur and Dalton regular, Jeff Galvin, Phil Campbell of Goodman steak restaurants and Great British Menu 2016 winner, Mark Froydenlund, fresh from his 10/10 performance serving up Lake District Farmers’ veal on the BBC Two programme.

*See more from the events in Monday's Evening Mail