A NEW Holmes Chapel restaurant has got its fundraising off to a flying start by hosting a charitable Burns Night in aid of local servicemen.

Moot, located on London Road, invited principal guests, SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) to the event which raised £320 with Gift Aid for current and ex-servicemen and women.

The evening followed the traditional Burns night programme, with a bagpiper who piped in the haggis, followed by the guests addressing the haggis and a ‘toast to the lassies’ as well as a specially themed four course menu including Scottish fayre such as salmon, whiskey and shortbread as well as haggis, neeps and tatties.

“It was a great night,” said Kristopher Rankin, general manager of Moot. “We got really fantastic feedback from all the guests and it was a great opportunity to introduce our charity of the year.

“We got guests coming along in kilts and the ladies came in lovely dresses with tartan. It was lovely and we felt very supported by the local community.

“We can’t wait to do more events like this in the future. We have lots of ideas in the pipeline for future events like this throughout the year.

“It was a great effort from all.”

Guests were joined Stan Rothwell, the local representative for SSAFA, as well as Martin Duguid, the charity’s fundraising officer.

For more information about Moot visit mootholmeschapel.co.uk and to learn more about the work of SSAFA visit ssafa.org.uk