Raising funds for Farm Africa – the non-governmental organisation supporting farmers living in eastern Africa – Foster commented: “The tournament started in 2012, originally to gain extra support and sponsorship for an attempt to climb Kilimanjaro with fellow chefs.

“Since then, it has become an annual event and a great way to shout about the important work that Farm Africa does.

“Having visited some of its projects myself, I recognise the vital mission of the charity and I love that the tournament is able to grow and support it more and more each year.”

This year’s event took place at Star City (Birmingham), and saw Lime Recruitment take home the winning title after beating runner-up AM Bailey Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers. Bristol’s Casamia Restaurant came in third place.

Competitor teams included: Adams Restaurant; Belmont Hotel; Casamia Restaurant; AM Bailey: Fruit and vegetable wholesalers; Corpus Christi College; The French Restaurant; John’s House Restaurant; and TRUEfoods (who sponsored the tournament).

Farm Africa events manager Danny Everett, added: “It’s brilliant to see the food and hospitality community come together in support of African farmers.

“Alongside our new movement Chefs for Change, the tournament demonstrates the food industry’s commitment to tackling poverty in rural Africa.

“Huge thanks to all of the teams who took part and particularly to Paul Foster, who works so hard each year to organise the event, and to TRUEfoods, our brilliant sponsors.

“This was the most successful Farm Africa Chefs’ Football Tournament to date. Despite the Birmingham drizzle, the teams and spectators turned out for a fantastic day that raised nearly £4,000 for Farm Africa’s work supporting farmers across eastern Africa."