A Norfolk chippy has started a meal donation service in a bid to help people with the spiralling cost of living. 

The Railway Tavern, which doubles up as a pub and fish and chip shop, has begun offering a number of free meals to those in the Dereham area who are struggling to cope with rising bills. 

To make the scheme a success, the business needs punters to come forward and make donations or nominate people they know. 

Dereham Times: The Railway Tavern pub in DerehamThe Railway Tavern pub in Dereham (Image: Newsquest)

Paul Sandford, the pub's landlord, came up with the idea after a customer called to ask whether she could donate some meals to a charity of his choice. 

"It made me think that something like this could turn into something quite big," he said. 

"I know everyone is really struggling at the moment but, if someone comes in and buys a meal for themselves, they could maybe chip in by buying an extra meal for someone else."

The initiative was launched this week and initially offered 10 free meals on a first-come, first-served basis - but is expected to grow over the coming weeks. 

Mr Sandford said staff at the chip shop would hold no judgment and that they were relying on the "integrity and honesty" of customers to ensure those most in need are the ones who benefit. 

Dereham Times: Paul Sandford outside the Railway Tavern pub and chip shop in DerehamPaul Sandford outside the Railway Tavern pub and chip shop in Dereham (Image: Newsquest)

He acknowledged that many people in need of support would be reluctant to come forward, but said all requests would be handled sensitively. 

"You are probably not going to get floods of people coming in saying they need a meal," added Mr Sandford. 

"But our intention is to do this discreetly and we can take nominations from other people. 

"We are conscious of the struggle families are facing just to put food on the table, and we just want to try and help in some way."

In time, Mr Sandford hopes to expand the scheme by getting other businesses and food outlets involved, thus helping more people in both Dereham and the surrounding area.

To donate or request a meal, call the Railway Tavern on 01362 288166.

Alternatively, you can send a private message to the Tavern's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/therailwaytaverndereham.