THE Best Western Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham is joining forces with Go Goodwin’s Manchester Storm to host a charity dinner on March 9, raising funds for local charities St Ann’s Hospice and the Christie.

Tickets are now for this event which will sees three players from Manchester Storm swapping their ice hockey sticks for saucepans, and pucks for pans, as they join the hotel’s executive chef Simon Hardman Taylor in preparing a four-course meal for 80 diners.

Players Eric Neilson, Paul Swindlehurst and Mike Clemente will help to prepare and serve a menu which features ham hock terrine with pickled cucumber and a maple syrup (a culinary nod to those Canadian ice hockey stars in the team), sweet potato and chilli soup, roast Atlantic salmon with fondant potato, braised kale and heritage tomato salsa, and, to finish, the perfect dish for stars of the ice - and ‘iced’ pear parfait with griottine cherries.

Tickets are £24.95 and include a complimentary drink upon arrival at 7pm and the four-course meal at 7.30pm in the hotel’s Townfields restaurant. Guests will meet the players and have autograph opportunities. All profits from the event to be donated to St Ann’s Hospice and The Christie.

To book tickets for the event call 0161 927 7272 and quote ‘Storm’ or email sian.livesey@cresta-court.co.uk.

Commenting on the fundraiser Paul Hindley, general manager of the Best Western Cresta Court Hotel, said: “We can’t wait to see what the culinary skills the Manchester Storm team can exercise in the kitchen. Our executive chef, Simon, has got very high standards, so it should be interesting to see how the players cope in trading the heat on the ice, for heat in the kitchen.

“We’re very grateful to the Manchester Storm players for giving up their time to join in with the event and raise funds for two really important local charities.

"It’s set to be a fantastic night and one that I think will be popular - so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.”

Neil Russell, general manager of Manchester Storm, added: “When we are approached about the night we were only too happy to get involved and support these exceptional charities. The players can’t wait to show off their culinary skills...although, it remains to be seen how much of their gastronomic boasting is genuine – or perhaps a little Storm hype.

"I am sure that whatever happens, with the guidance of the Hotel’s chef, diners are in safe hands in what will be a fun night for all.”

Visit www.cresta-court.co.uk or tweet @CrestaCourt