Hell’s Kitchen came to Croydon College’s canteen last week, as teams from two businesses took on a challenge to be crowned the borough’s culinary kings and queens.

Members of century-old construction company Mansell were pitted against amateur chefs from cleaning firm Chequers in the final of the competition, which was sponsored by South Croydon catering company Simply Lunch.

Professional chefs Gemma Hammond and Terry Page guided their subjects through three dishes, which were prepared for a team of judges.

A sumptuous chocolate tart eventually swung the panel towards the cleaning company team, which had already served up a Moroccan lamb main course.

The team narrowly pipped Mansell’s starter of prawn and potato fritters, beef Rendang main with Malaysian fruit salad and creme brulee.

More than £1,200 was raised for organisers Croydon Commitments to go towards their trust fund for the community.

Every pound raised for the fund will be matched by the Government before being invested in a growth fund until 2011, when the interest will be used to support people in Croydon.

Anyone interested in the work of the charity can get more information from their website at croydon commitment.co.uk.