Pub hosts bush tucker trial for charity

The Eagle in Blyth, just north of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, hosted the event on Saturday (31 August) in its garden, inviting willing competitors who raised sponsorship in advance of the event, to eat creepy crawlies.

Spiders, woodlice, beetles and cockroaches were among the bugs used in the gourmet creepy crawly meal, which was topped off with snails.

£160k raised​

Fundraising for the Princess Ellie charity up to the event had reached £160,000 and was being shared by the Meningitis Research Foundation, as well as the local hospital where Ellie, the charity’s namesake, was nursed.

The charity was set up by locals Dan and Rachel Long in loving memory of their daughter Ellie, who was sadly lost to meningitis in 2010.

John Fawcus, licensee at the Eagle, which is an Admiral pub, said: “It’s been a dream come true to take on the Eagle at Blyth.

“Previously I was a taxi driver in the area and always wanted to run a pub so when the Eagle became available we were very keen to take it on.”

Community hub​

He continued: “I’m passionate about creating a community hub here where people feel comfortable popping in and out at all times of the day, even just to say hello.

“The charity event for Princess Ellie is such a worthy cause and we’re delighted to be able to support it.

“I am in awe of all the contestants who have put themselves forward for the event and would also like to say thank you to everyone who’s supported us – prize givers, judges and those who are coming on the day.”