ULVERSTON'S Coronation Hall was re-named the 'Currynation Hall' for one night as it hosted a spicy eating challenge in aid of the town's St Mary's Hospice.

More than 350 people attended the event which saw the Furness venue transformed into a giant Indian restaurant.

Staff at Delish, a Barrow-based cafe, created a fiercely hot range of chutneys for competitors taking part in the mouth-burning chutney challenge.

And Naaz, an Indian restaurant in Ulverston, worked with Furness College catering students to produce a delicious curry for the event.

Sarah Simpson, marketing manager for St Mary’s Hospice, said: “We would like to thank everyone who got involved – it truly was a community effort with wonderful support from local businesses.

The 'beer and a curry' theme was chosen to encourage young people and men to be more open about their health and aware of risks.

“The event is the first of its kind and helping to target a male audience to raise issues around men’s health and awareness of the services St Mary’s offers across our catchment area," Sarah said.

"We would like to say a big thank you to the Coronation Hall for hosting the event and being renamed for the night the Currynation Hall! And to the Furness College students who have delivered delicious dishes with Naaz’s help.

"Feedback from the event has been brilliant, with the chutney challenge compered by Bob Qazi being the highlight of the night with seven brave winners!"

The seven people who successfully completed the challenge included Mark Coulson, Ian McClymont, Suzan Philpotts, Billie Postlethwaite, Nicola Procter, Andrew Gilbert and Ross Leopold.

As well as the eating challenge, entertainment was provided by bands Side Walk and The Hairy Buskers.

Sarah said that the event was likely to have raised approximately £3,000 based on ticket sales, which she said was 'absolutely fantastic!'