The head chef at Marco Pierre White's Dover diner is leading a team to provide free hot lunches to the needy during the pandemic.

Working closely in partnership with the Dover District Council, The Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is preparing more than 100 free hot lunches each week for distribution.

The meals which include dishes from their menu, are being handed out volunteers from DDC's Community Hub to the homeless, elderly people in care home settings and families in need.

Head chef Kingsley Jesudasan would normally oversee the catering operations for the Hotel’s Mr Whites English Chophouse Pierre restaurant and Wheeler’s Fish & Chips.

He said: "It is a great feeling to prepare good quality hot meals for those that would not normally have access to them."

Food and beverage manager Julius Soares, commis chef Mohammed Hariz and other volunteers from the hotel team are also lending their time and services for free to support the program.

Hotel owner Kanagaratnam Rajaseelan said: "At this critical time it is important that whilst the hotel is closed under the Government directive that we seize the opportunity to give something back to our local community."

The distribution of the free hot lunches is being co-ordinated by the Dover District Council Community Hub and any requests for hot lunches should be directed through them on 01304 821199 or email Covid19@dover.gov.uk

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