THERE was no slaving over a hot stove in order to get dinner ready for a dozen hungry mouths.For Graham and Liz Johnston bought a promise at auction, to have meal cooked by a pub chef, at their home.

THERE was no slaving over a hot stove in order to get dinner ready for a dozen hungry mouths.

For Graham and Liz Johnston bought a promise at auction, to have meal cooked by a pub chef, at their home.

Mr Johnston faced hot competition as four others tried to seal the deal, but won with a bid of about £55.

The cash was being raised for an appeal at their son Matthew's school – Beacon Hill (Martlesham) Primary – to get enough money for a swimming pool roof.

On Mrs Johnston's birthday, Red Lion chefs Paul Arnold and Nick Grey cooked deep-fried camembert, beef wellington and raspberry brule.

"It was absolutely wonderful, a fantastic evening," said Mrs Johnston.

"It meant that as hostess I could take part more, because I didn't have to keep going out to the kitchen all the time."

The evening for 12 people, at the Johnston's home in Healthfield, Martlesham Heath, took on a murder mystery theme.