A CHEF who has been cooking up a storm for 40 years at an Ayrshire golf club has helped raise more than £13,000 for two charities in memory of his late wife. 

David Bennett, of Prestwick Golf Club, penned ‘40 Courses for 40 Years’ which contains recipes for some of the dished most loved by the club's members, guests and visitors.

Funds from 1,000 sales of the publication raised £13,365 for Beatson Cancer Charity and The Ayrshire Hospice. 

David praised the two charities for the support they offered David's late wife Anne, and family, following her cancer diagnosis and treatment.  

David said: "I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to produce this book with some much-loved recipes and raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity and Ayrshire Hospice.

"They are two amazing charities that were such a huge comfort to my late wife Anne, and to myself and my daughter Rachael." 

The book features recipes that have made the golf club well-known for its hospitality, as well as for its world-renowned and historic golf course.

During his years as chef at Prestwick Golf Club, David has cooked for many famous faces including Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Sean Connery, who both played there.

There are also chapters outlining the history of dining since Prestwick Golf Club was formed in 1851.

Martin Cawley, CEO of the Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "We are delighted by the success of David’s cookbook.

"For David to celebrate such an achievement of 40 years' service by contributing proceeds of this special cookbook to two charities is an incredible thing to do."

Graeme Strawhorn, assistant fundraising manager at Ayrshire Hospice, said: "We are overjoyed at the tremendous success of this very special recipe book.

"We appreciate all the hard work and time dedicated to organising and promoting this book, it means so much to our charity. Huge thanks to everyone who made it happen.

"The book is a celebration of David’s first-class cuisine and the history of dining at Prestwick Golf Club and we are honoured to be part of it.

"This marvellous amount means we can provide specialist palliative care for patients and their families across Ayrshire & Arran living with life-limiting illnesses."