Ruther Kneller and her children Alba and Caleb manned a stall with Becky Stevenson and Edward Seedhouse
Ruther Kneller and her children Alba and Caleb manned a stall with Becky Stevenson and Edward Seedhouse

A COFFEE afternoon with a difference at Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School raised £675 for fire-fighters who have been tackling bush fires in Australia.

Organised by teacher Joanna Dobson, the afternoon featured tombola and a variety of stalls including toys, dog treats, hats and cheese.

A bush-tucker trial saw the more daring taking a taste of squirrel poached in cider, pigs’ ears, eyes and trotters, and grasshoppers – all of which were provided by McFarlane Butchers. Ms Dobson came up with the idea for the event while lying awake in the dead of the night.

She said: “It is something nice for the school and community and for a good cause.”

She thanked Jane Addison, the Friends of Middleton School, people who donated items and all those who supported the event.

A total of £675 was raised on the day.