SOME big names will be attending a fundraising event when a day of Great Food and Company is held later in the year.

Gidleigh's executive chef Michael Caines, Ann Widdecombe MP and actress Juliet Mills, will be at the hotel to help raise funds for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Michael Caines will be creating a lunch with canapés to start and coffee and petit fours to finish, and will give a personal explanation of the dishes of the day.

Lunch entertainment will be provided by speaker for the day, Ann Widdecombe.

The dinner, prepared and hosted by Michael, will include canapés, coffee and petit fours.

Internationally acclaimed actress Juliet Mills will provide the after-dinner speech.

Fundraising director for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, Caroline Creer, said: 'We are thankful to the Gidleigh Park Hotel and Michael Caines for their support of the charity, which is very much appreciated.

'We are also extremely grateful to both Ann Widdecombe and Juliet Mills for donating the gift of time to come along, as they are both extremely busy people.

'This event is truly great value for money, as anyone who has ever eaten or stayed at the hotel will confirm.

'There will also be various ways throughout this event where guests can continue to make a difference to Devon Air Ambulance Trust, for example, through our auction or perhaps by making a personal donation.'

Mrs Creer expressed thanks to the trust's corporate supporters.

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust relies on the £4-million needed annually, which comes from communities and businesses to keep both helicopters airborne.

Lunch will cost £50 per person and dinner will cost £75 per person.

Gidleigh Park is also offering guests a special event rate to stay overnight.

The rate for a double occupancy will cost £200 per room, which will include early morning tea or coffee, a newspaper in the room, a cooked or continental breakfast and VAT.

The special event will be held on Thursday, November 12.