A Malvern hotel has taken delivery of the first-cut round of Vale of Evesham asparagus.

And the Cotford Hotel has donated to a good cause at the same time.

In return for including the asparagus on its menu of its fine-dining restaurant, L’Amuse Bouche, the hotel has donated £200 to the Dog’s Trust Evesham.

As well as being St George’s Day, April 23 is also National Asparagus Day and marks the start of the asparagus season.

Each year, the first-cut round is celebrated in true eccentric style before being presented to a charity to auction off for their cause.

This year’s charity, Dogs Trust Evesham, had a buyer but they pulled out at the last minute. So Barbara and Chris Morgan, owners of The Cotford, came to the rescue.

READ MORE: Asparagus Festival launches with music and dancing

Dogs Trust Evesham manager Chris Slight and side-kick Sylvester, a former Dogs Trust resident, presented the asparagus to The Cotford.

Chris Morgan said: “I’ve designed our entire menu from Wednesday onwards around Vale of Evesham asparagus.

“From asparagus two ways, asparagus and potato soup through to an assiette of seafood and asparagus. As dog lovers, we were delighted to help out and also have the opportunity to showcase this amazing local delicacy.”

The Fleece Inn once again played host to the launch of the British Asparagus Festival last Sunday (April 23).

Landlord of the Bretforton pub, Nigel Smith, said: “Our asparagus launch day was a great success with a great turnout to watch superb entertainment from Bretforton Silver band, Pebworth Morris and others.

“It was a great privilege to present the 100 of asparagus to the local branch of the Dogs Trust at Wickhamford.

“Many thanks of course to Gus, St George, Eve the Aspara-Fairy and all who came along to support.”

Upcoming asparagus-themed activities at the Fleece include the traditional Bretforton Silver Band asparagus auction.