A MICHELIN-starred chef cooked up a storm to help raise vital funds for a specialist riding centre.

More than 130 guests turned out to enjoy an evening with restaurateur Michel Roux Jr at Chigwell School in aid of the Chigwell Riding Trust.

Staff and parents gathered for a champagne reception, before the master chef shared his skills by cooking a three-course dinner and taking questions from the audience.

The evening raised £1,000 for the riding centre, based in Grange Farm, which offers lessons to riders with special needs.

Trust manager Deborah Hall said: “Michel Roux Jr entertained us superbly with such humour and charisma.

“I was also impressed with his knowledge of volunteering with charities. He is obviously a very generous man.

“I cannot thank Chigwell School enough for choosing to support us for the evening. To have raised £1,000 is quite phenomenal.”

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