The owners of The Larder Oakham are stepping up to help the community by cooking and distributing meals to the elderly, those self-isolating and key workers.

But Alyson Kyle and Iain Stares are urgently seeking an organisation or charity to help identify who should receive the meals and help with deliveries.

The pair are in the kitchen today (Mon) preparing healthy oven-ready and frozen meals - and want to ensure they reach those who deserve it most.

They are prepared to foot the bill for the food and deliveries themselves, but are setting up a JustGiving page later today for anyone who wants to contribute.

Alyson told Oakham Nub News: "Iain and I are cooking and will be delivering what we can.

"We've been inundated with offers from our staff and others to help distribute the food but, while we really appreciate this, we don't think it is the most sensible option.

"Therefore we really need an organisation or charity who already has a delivery scheme set up to help us with drop-offs.

"This will be a totally free service and available to everyone with no eligibility criteria or questions asked.

"However, we would encourage everyone to consider their needs in relation to others, and would ideally want to prioritise the elderly, self-isolating and key workers in our local community.

"We feel the government has done its part in trying to ensure that our business continues; and now it is our time to give something back.

"If necessary, this would be funded entirely by ourselves but if anyone wants to donate - whether financially, food, takeaway containers etc - these would be very gratefully received."

Any organisation or charity that can help with food deliveries, or anyone who would like to help with monetary or in-kind donations, can contact Alyson on 07980 827189 or email [email protected].