A fundraising feast has been held in memory of a regional daily’s former assistant editor.

The event was held in memory of ex-Northern Echo journalist Tony Metcalf, who died in 2013 aged 50.

Cooking students at Darlington College used ingredients from their final assessment to cook a six-course tasting menu in aid of the town’s St Teresa’s Hospice.

Senior lecturer Dawn Cobb-Neate and restaurant manager Lesley Cain-Metcalf, Tony’s widow, organised the event.

Tony, pictured, who also served as head of journalism at Darlington College, was looked after by the hospice as was Dawn’s father.

The £20-a-head meal and collections on the night raised more than £500 for the charity.

Dawn told the Echo: “A lot of people at college have links with St Teresa’s and we thought this was a great way to use up the provisions we had in for students’ assessments.

“Everyone had a good night and it was great experience for the students in terms of using their skills and helping their local community.”