ORGANISERS of the World’s Original Marmalade Awards are delighted to have raised thousands of pounds through the competition taking the total to over £250,000.

The awards which are held annually at Dalemain near Penrith raised £23,282.20 for Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland and upwards of £25,000 for palliative care worldwide in 2019.

Since their inception in 2005 the awards have raised money for the local hospice with the full entry fee going to Hospice at Home, or to a palliative care charity of the entrant’s choice.

With the help of dedicated volunteers the awards have been able to spread the love of marmalade around the world with over 40 countries entering last year all while raising vital funds for services in Cumbria and worldwide.

Jane Hasell-McCosh, founder of the awards, said: "I am so pleased that the Marmalade Awards have raised such a significant amount of money.

"Raising funds for Hospice care has always been one of the founding principles of the Awards, and it is a tribute to the volunteers, who work so tirelessly, and to the thousands of people who send their jars every year that we are able to raise such incredible amounts.

"I do hope that 2020 will be even more successful."

President of Hospice at Home, Elizabeth Leeming, said: "It is now well-known that the Dalemain Marmalade Awards have gone global; their history is a good news story that raises spirits and fosters friendships, within the UK and beyond these shores.

"Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland is honoured and humbled to be the main beneficiary of the 2019 and also the 2020 Awards.

"The £23,282.30 raised in 2019 will directly benefit local families and their carers, providing a comprehensive, high quality palliative care service in the comfort and security of wherever the patient calls home.

"Without the support of the local community, the work of Hospice at Home would not be possible.

"The amount raised by the Marmalade Awards since their foundation in 2005 has made an enormous difference to the end of life service provided by Hospice at Home, and therefore to many local families at a time when their need of support is greatest."

The 2020 marmalade awards are now open and competitors are encouraged to send their entries to Dalemain Mansion in Cumbria, on or before February 7.

This is the 15th year of the awards and to make the occasion there is a special category as well as several old favourites such as Merry Marmalade, Octogenarian's Marmalade and Gardener's Marmalade.

The idea for the event started when founder Mrs Hasell-McCosh felt the breakfast-time favourite should be celebrated with style.

Whether you are a first timer or a connoisseur, the awards are open to you.

The competition is sponsored this year by Fortnum & Mason and the winner will have the opportunity to see their marmalade commercially produced and sold in their famous Piccadilly store.

Last year there were about 300 entries, and already the awards have had entries from Mexico, Spain, Japan, the USA, Senegal and Wales.

With a special 'Thursday Cottage Commonwealth Competition' this year's winner could be from anywhere in the world and only time will tell seize the coveted Best in Show award.

The 2020 awards and festival is set to take place at Dalemain on March 14 and 15 and there will be a celebration of citrus and marmalade across all cultures.

There will be marmalade displays, tasting, cookery demonstrations, workshops, activities and much more.

For more information about the World's Original Marmalade Awards and Festival, visit https://www.dalemain.com/marmalade-awards/