A group of friends in Sidmouth livened up the grey February days with a ‘Come Dine With Me’-style contest.

Every Friday the four couples took turns to entertain in each other’s homes, preparing delicious meals for the group. Each household provided a starter, main course and dessert accompanied with wine and cocktails.

The finale was held at the Harbour Hotel, Sidmouth, on Friday, March 3, when the hotel provided the meal and the winners of the contest were announced.

The group did not want to be named or photographed, but said their initiative had been a great success.

One member said: “We like entertaining, we enjoy each other’s company, and to be honest, winter sometimes seems such a struggle and February although the shortest month does drag on sometimes.

“It wasn’t ‘majorly’ competitive, but it was competitive. It was a competition but didn’t feel like one.  It wasn’t laid back, but it was very laid back at the same time! I mean each week the effort was clearly going in, but it was just so very enjoyable.  You’d think spending week after week with the same people would get tiresome and repetitive but with the different location each week and either you were entertaining or being entertained just made it even better.

“We had a variety of cocktails, oysters and champagne, basil sorbet, local cheese and even homemade crackers.  It wasn’t your normal pizza and chips or cottage pie and veg, you know!”

“It has felt like such a unique experience to put so much effort in and take so much joy from spending time with such wonderful people.”

The Harbour Hotel rose to the occasion of the final, serving the group with cocktails and a special three-course meal.

Events manager Ellie Ray said: “We are delighted to have been chosen for the final. We have the best team around us and I’m proud to offer the setting for their final evening.

“Hearing some of the dishes which have been served sounds like it has been to a very high standard of cuisine - perhaps Masterchef is next!  What a great initiative, great idea, and we are honoured to be part of the fantastic local game.”