A CHEF has launched an online auction to raise money for NHS staff during the coronavirus crisis.

MasterChef winner Kenny Tutt has organised the auction to provide funding for Worthing Hospital, with many Sussex businesses contributing prizes.

Kenny, who lives in the town, said: “We’ve got everything from private dining with me, where I will come and cook for eight people at someone’s home, to a Back To The Future driving experience.

“The idea is that when this is all over people can go and treat themselves, while having done something good for the NHS.

“We are doing the auction in conjunction with Friends Of Worthing Hospital and we just want to try and raise as much money as possible.

“If any other business would like to contribute a prize, please do get in touch with me on contact@pitchresatuarant.co.uk.”

The auction, which went live last night after the weekly Clap for Carers salute, is set to run until Monday at 9pm, although Kenny said it may be extended if more prizes are added.

Prizes include a private sparkling wine tour and tasting at the Wiston Estate Winery in Pulborough, a pampering experience from Labelle Beauty in Worthing, lunch for two at Etch in Hove and a Sunday lunch with wine for four at Kenny’s own restaurant, Pitch, in the centre of Worthing.

Winners will be able to redeem their prizes once the lockdown is lifted.

Kenny said the money raised will go towards funding equipment urgently needed to treat patients with Covid-19, and to protect NHS staff from infection.

He said: “The money we raise will go towards a big piece of respiratory kit, but they also need hospital shoes and other protective equipment.

“I just think they are so selfless as they are on the front line and it’s a very scary,confusing time.

“It’s taking time for NHS workers to get the right gear they need.

“We just want them to know that everyone out there is with them.

“We’ve got to put them first.”

Kenny, who won hit TV show MasterChef in 2018, has also been keeping busy since the lockdown by doing video cookery lessons on YouTube. Viewers can learn how to make their own bread, mayonnaise and cocktails.

To bid on a prize in Kenny’s auction, go to 32auctions.com/nhsworthing. To watch his cookery videos, go to YouTube.com and search for “Kenny Tutt”.