CATERING students from West Herts College have raised more than £1,000 after hosting a fundraising event and buffet to raise money for the tsunami disaster.

Watford MP Claire Ward and around 40 guests attended the event, held on Tuesday, February 1, at Cassio Campus restaurant and hall.

Ms Ward said: "The students have done a fantastic job in organising this event. They have prepared the food, solicited the donations for the appeal and have run the whole event for a most deserving cause.

"This shows not just that we have a wealth of talent and potential in our future chefs, but decent caring young people with an interest in the plight of others. I congratulate them on all their hard work."

Sarah Donovan, course tutor to the student group organising the event, said: "The night was a great success and it is credit to the students who put so much time and effort into making it happen.

"The food prepared by the NVQ level two students was superb and highlights the talents of our chefs.

"The bar staff on the night designed their own special non-alcoholic drink especially for the event, which was delicious and the service staff throughout the whole night were amazing they carried out their jobs with such enthusiasm and professionalism."

Brooke Lightley, one of the students who helped co-ordinate the event, said: "We decided to hold this appeal evening because we wanted to do something to help those people affected by the tsunami.

"We all worked really hard to make the night a success and I hope that everyone who attended enjoyed themselves."

Students Ben Sharp and Ricky Ives designed the international menu - which included dishes such as Jamaican beef, stir-fry, pasta carbonara and paella.

Ricky said: "We went for a range of different cooking themes and styles of cooking for our auction buffet."

Ben said: "This was our first student-led catering event. We both came in on our free days to ensure all the food was prepared and ready."

In addition to the food, there was a prize draw, with a range of prizes on offer.

All money raised at the event will be donated by West Herts College to the tsunami appeal.