AN outdoor ‘pop-up’ eaterie has raised more than £14,000 for a hospice.

The refreshment point was operated while a prolonged legal wrangle over The Stables Cafe at Towneley Hall’s park took place.

During the closure caused by the dispute, Burnley Council partnered with Pendleside Hospice which provided pop-up outdoor catering at weekends and Bank Holidays between March until the end of July.

The temporary cafe, staffed by volunteers, raised more than £14,000.

The cheque has now been presented by Towneley Hall manager Ken Darwen to Pendleside Hospice ambassador Keith Jackson.

Cllr Margaret Lishman, Burnley Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted we were able to aid the hospice in such difficult times and enable its volunteers to raise money for such an important cause.”

Pendleside Hospice chief executive Helen McVey said: “We would like to thank everybody at Towneley Hall, our team of volunteers without whom we couldn’t have held the stall each week, and the people who came along and supported us by buying coffees and snacks. The fantastic amount raised will go directly towards patient care at the hospice and we are truly grateful.”

Since Burnley Council regained control of The Stable Cafe it has appointed Deep Beat Entertainment to take over running it.

It will open again fully in October after renovation works.

A temporary outdoor catering chalet will serve hot and cold drinks, cakes, bakes and pizzas whilst the interior of the cafe is fitted out by the new operator and external repairs to the listed building are carried out.