A KIND-HEARTED Bromsgrove chip shop owner will be providing free meals to people in need on Christmas Day.
Isty Ahmed, owner of Charford Fish Bar, said he had been in the area a long time and, because of the way the community had always welcomed and helped him, he wanted to give something back.
“Some people may turn a blind eye, but if I can help by offering a few hours of my time, I will.”
Isty added he had wanted to supply free Christmas meals to the community for over a year, and now his ambition had come true.
Residents and families are banding together with the Charford chippy to help deliver the meals to those who may be struggling this festive season.
Other local services will also be using the service to get hot meals to their regular users on Christmas Day.
Volunteers helping the shop will be assisting by delivering the food cooked up at the chippy.
Louise Hall and her whole family will be among the volunteers.
She said: “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are – if you want a meal on Christmas day, you can have one.
“Everyone is feeling the pinch this year, and I know some people will really benefit from this option.
“It is great to support the local community.”
Her mum will also be supplying mince pies and mulled wine in the chip shop on the day for those who want to go in and have a chat.
“Charford has a great community spirit and it is the residents who are supporting their chip shop.”
In the future, Itsy hopes Charford Fish Bar will be able to provide free hot Christmas meals for subsequent years to come.
People who want meals can pre-book them by calling 07563 789176 or turn up on the day and collect them.
There will be a number of choices on offer.
