Peter's pickles proceeds presented to Craster lifeboat and air ambulance

Craster man Peter Mattison Angus spent the lockdown period making different pickles and selling them to raise money, along with copies of Auntie Bessies Cookbook.

Peter, a former volunteer helmsman and keen supporter of both the RNLI and air ambulance, was delighted with the success of the fund-raising initiative and thanks all those who donated or helped.

He said: “Following on from the success of last year’s pickles, we have been able to sell even more to help Craster RNLI and Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and every penny counts as the past months have been extremely difficult for charities.

"Please remember, the RNLI and GNAAS rely solely on charitable donations so please, if you see a collection box, donate what you can to support these vital lifesaving organisations.”

He has raised £2,621 from the sale of the pickles and is splitting the money evenly between the charities.

The Ale Gate pub on Bondgate Without in Alnwick is one of the venues where Peter normally sells his pickles.

After it reopened with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions last week a cheque presentation was organised.

Publican Sarah Johnson, who also runs The Narrow Nick in Rothbury with husband Paul, said: “We sold quite a lot of pickle in the pubs until we had to close but Peter has continued making and selling it. It’s a fantastic effort and we thought it would be a nice thing to recognise it by holding a presentation ceremony.”

She added: "The Great North Air Ambulance has been our charity since we opened in Alnwick and Rothbury and we’ve probably raised over £2,000 for it over the past couple of years.”

Sarah took the opportunity to thank customers for their support since reopening.

She said: "We were closed for six months so it’s been hard but we really appreciate all the messages of support we had through lockdown.

“And the support we’ve had from both locals and tourists since reopening has been great. Everyone has been following the rules.

"It’s absolutely fantastic to be back. I think it’s probably one of the best May weeks we’ve ever had.”

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