Yorkshire’s annual charity Farmhouse Big Breakfast has served up a £5,000-plus windfall in aid of a trio of charities.

The three-day fund-raiser, organised and staged by John and Mary Pearson at Lovesome Hill Farm, Northallerton, saw 220 slap-up Yorkshire breakfasts, all featuring local produce, provided at a total of six morning and afternoon sittings. It netted £5,087 in total. (Jan 24-26)The Newcastle-based Sir Bobby Robson Foundation scored on the opening day to the tune of £1,760, with Lady Elsie Robson travelling down with family members to accept the cheque on behalf of her late husband’s charity, which raises money for the early detection and treatment of cancer Day two’s proceeds of £1,527 were presented to Helen Benson, Yorkshire area representative of the Farm Crisis Network, which supports problem-hit farming people and families. This figure looks set to boosted by further pledges of financial support.

The final day’s proceeds of £1,800 went to a local beneficiary, Herriot Hospice Homecare in Northallerton, which serves patients with life limiting illness across Hambleton and Richmondshire. On hand to receive the cheque was Dr Rosie Paige, daughter of late vet Jim White, author of the famous James Herriot novels.

The Pearsons staged the event at their award-winning bed and breakfast with help from fellow members of Herriot Farm Stay Group, part of the country’s largest network of farm-based accommodation providers.

Local food and drink producers and providers were quick to donate breakfast products, boosted by multiple offers of sponsorship and raffle prizes from local and regional businesses, and individuals. “Our thanks go to every single one of them, along with all breakfasters and helpers over the three days. We are overwhelmed – it’s been a fantastic effort for three extremely worthwhile causes,” enthused Mrs Pearson.

A member of deliciouslyorkshire, Lovesome Hill Farm is a former Les Routiers B&B of the North award winner, holds a 4-star farmhouse rating and silver award from Visit England, and has also received a ‘Flavours of Hambleton’ Breakfast of the Year accolade.

Businesses and suppliers who supported the event included Beavers Butchers, Riverford Organics, Acorn Dairy, Greyfriars Mushrooms, Stamfrey Farm, Sanderson’s Eggs, JM & S Greengrocers, Arthur Haigh Butchers, Thomas’s, Cooplands and Bedale Bakeries, Crakehall Water Mill, Rosebud Preserves, Westwood Rhubarb, Blyker’s Smokehouse, Carrick’s Fish, Spring House Farm Shop, J Stringer’s Oats, Yorkshire Dales Meat Co, Shortridge, Betty’s and Taylor’s, Lewis & Cooper Deli, Langthorne Farm Shop, Ample Bosoms, Fiori Florists, Farmers Cart Farm Shop, Carr House Farm B&B, Northallerton Auction Mart, Barclays Bank, Lloyds TSB Agriculture and Cummins Young Accountants.