A WEST Devon school has attracted the attention of national celebrities and local businesses as they join forces to launch a cookbook to raise vital funds.

St Andrew's Primary School in Buckland Monachorum will be holding its Christmas Fair on Saturday — but this year in addition to the usual craft stands, performances from children, raffle and competitions, the school PTA will be launching a cookbook that has been several years in the making.

The 'St Andrew's School Cookbook — A Cookbook For All' is the culmination of several years' work and includes favourite recipes from children, parents and staff at the school as well as local and national celebrities. Proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will be used to fund outside play equipment.

Celebrities who have contributed to the book include David Cameron, Fern Britton, Gordon Brown, Rick Stein, Angela Rippon, Michel Roux, James and Chris Tanner, Ranulph Fiennes, Stephen Fry, Michael Morpurgo, Jeffrey Archer, Sir Cliff Richard, Horrid Henry, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo amongst others.

Jo Guilor, a member of the PTA at St Andrew's said: 'Many local businesses have supported our event this year, through donations of prizes and sponsorship in the cookbook. We have been overwhelmed. The school depends on these events for fundraising, and this year we are looking to use the money for outdoor play equipment for the children.'

The cookbook will be for sale at the fair (£7 for one or £12 for 2 or more), from The Drake Manor Inn in Buckland Monachorum, The Royal Oak in Meavy and from the school office.

The cookbook has been generously sponsored by four local businesses, The Drake Manor Inn in Buckland Monachorum, The Royal Oak in Meavy, Lawsons and The Moorland Garden Hotel in Yelverton.

Andrew Jenkins, general manager from The Moorland Garden Hotel, said: 'We thought the cook book was a great way to raise money for the school and were delighted to help with some sponsorship.

'We have also given away two of our prized recipes; slow roasted pork and our special quick and easy chocolate fudge!'

Andrew said the children would also be sharpening their maths and business skills by selling the cookbooks to guests having lunch in the hotel's restaurant on December 9. The school choir has also been invited to sing during lunchtime.

Andrew will also be judging the 'Most Christmassy cake' competition where children will be marked for their submissions on appearance and attention to detail.

The Christmas Fair will take place from 12.30pm to 4pm on Saturday, December 1 with Christmas stalls, crafts and activities including a special visit from Father Christmas.