Canapés and drinks created from foraged and donated food delighted guests at an unusual charity event at Manchester’s Midland Hotel.

The drinks party - attended by business people and VIPs including Warren Smith, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester - showcased the work of Emerge Recycling and FareShare Greater Manchester and launched their search for new ambassadors.

Following a theme of ‘Love Food Hate Waste’, Gareth Jones, head chef at Mr Cooper’s House and Garden, and bar manager Nate Booker, used foraged ingredients and donated spirits in their recipes.

The Midland, a staunch supporter of charity initiatives, sponsored the occasion along with musician Claire Mooney, Manchester Markets and Langtons Gin and Belvedere Vodka.

Emerge is an environmental charity with a waste recycling trading arm. Fareshare provide food and meals for people who would otherwise go hungry, using surplus food from supermarkets and the hospitality industry.

Lucy Danger, founder and CEO of Emerge said:‘We need more organisations and individuals to come on board and help us reduce, reuse and recycle waste so we can fight hunger and poverty in Greater Manchester.’

Lucy wants to recruit individuals and business contacts who can bring skills and contacts. Anyone interested in learning more about the opportunities can contact Miranda Kaunang on 0161 223 8200 or email her at miranda@emergemanchester.co.uk