CELEBRITY chef Lesley Waters rustled up three dishes in less than an hour to prove how easy raising money for Macmillan’s new fundraising venture can be.

The cancer charity launched its Dine For Macmillan initiative and asked Lesley to be the ‘face’ of their new campaign to help fund more nurses to help patients and their families coping with the disease.

Invited guests at Burton Bradstock’s Hive Café were treated to Lesley’s inimitable style and charm as she took the mystique out of souffles and the fear out of fish with a ‘no-cook’ crab, lime and chilli starter and scallops on saffron mashed potato.

She was helped by Hive owner Steve Attrill’s nine-year-old daughter Maisy and former Beaminster Pickwicks landlady Bea Thorn.

Lesley said she was honoured to be asked.

She said: “I feel very passionately about Macmillan because my father-in-law, who was a wonderful man, died about eight years ago from asbestosis.

“He had a Macmillan nurse and they were absolutely amazing.

“I remember that time and how fantastic they were and how essential they are to people – and not just for the person who is ill but also for those looking after them.

“A few years ago I did a demonstration for Macmillan in Sherborne and we just kept in touch.

“So when they came to me with this and asked me if I would like to be involved and I said: ‘absolutely’.”

If the pilot project goes well in Dorset the charity is hoping to launch it nationwide and Lesley has agreed to be the ambassador.

She added: “For me it is also a way of getting people, families and friends to cook and people to get together and with the recession they say that eating in is the new eating out. In Dorset and Somerset we have such amazing produce we can’t really fail can we?”

The idea is that you invite guests to your dinner party and instead of bringing gifts or wine friends donate to the charity instead.

Area fundraising manager Claire Coles said: “There is no right or wrong way to get involved.

“All you have to do is host a meal and ask your guests for a suggested donation instead of bringing flowers or chocolates.

“We’re thrilled Lesley has agreed to be our foodie ambassador, she is so passionate about food and cooking.

“We’re hoping this will rub off on our hosts and get people inspired to share a meal together.”

Find out more about the Dine For Macmillan initiative at macmillan.org.uk/dine