JOHNNY Vegas paid a visit to see Newton-le-Willows' 'community fridge' which is helping those facing financial challenges.

Newton Deli launched its Community Fridge earlier this year with the support of environmental charity Hubbub UK in a growing effort to tackle food waste.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the takeaway has ramped up its efforts to help those in need and has helped deliver food to those struggling in the community.

Thatto Heath comedian Johnny, who has been delivering food for the Steve Prescott Foundation, dropped off some much-needed supplies from the SPF for the Newton Community Fridge.

Marc Faulkner, director of The Deli Group, said the takeaway has ramped up its operations given the financial difficulties faced by people in the community.

Newton Deli has distributed more than a tonne of surplus food from local supermarkets through partnerships with Neighbourly and FareShare, much of it since the coronavrus pandemic took hold.

The takeaway has also used "surplus surplus", which it couldn’t distribute, to prepare meals and feed hundreds of frontline workers in the NHS.

They have also gifted food surplus to Business For Youth in Newton-le-Willows towards their packed lunch project, with several thousand packed lunches distributed already to children who are home from school.

Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, also of Newton and Earlestown Community Group, said: “It’s amazing to see the support given to the Community Fridge Project.

"Marc at Newton Deli set up the project well before the outbreak, but the model has allowed us to use surplus stock from supermarkets to give around 15 to 20 families a day free supplies to get them through a difficult time.

"No questions asked.

"The motto is 'need not greed' and it allows us to do it all for free through an army of volunteers to those who need it most. Especially those who fall outside the official channels of help.

"So the donation from our Friends at the Steve Prescott foundation delivered by Johnny will go along way with helping the most vulnerable. And we thank them!

"If anyone needs help, or just someone to speak to, then get in touch on 01925 357599.”