Armed Forces veterans run food project in shadow of Seaham's Tommy statue

Ex-Para Andrew Harrison and former military catering chef Chris O’Connor had to put their new cafe project on hold due to coronavirus restrictions, just two days after it was launched on Seaham’s seafront.

Now they are using the kitchen of Flanders and facilities at the Sea Cadet base a few doors down from their North Terrace business to turn out hot meals in the hope of keeping people fed as they self-isolate.

With the help of suppliers, they are offering cost-price meals for delivery, with tents to be set up on the Terrace Green as they run a number of other services.

Operation Flanders will also see volunteer drivers recruited to help drop off meals, with a series of measures such as a temperature check, 10-second breath-holding test and a questionnaire to be completed by the helpers to monitor their health.

A food bank drop-off and collection point is to be set up, while a shelter will give NHS and emergency service staff a place to stop off, rest and grab a hot drink.

The businessmen – backed by their staff in volunteer roles – are in talks with Durham County Council about how they can play a part in a national effort to help the vulnerable.

The effort comes after they used stock to make 60 free meals distributed to the elderly, NHS workers and emergency service staff.

Andrew said: “We are hoping to provide what we call rolling replenishment on Seaham seafront, and to help the volunteers, we’ll be setting up a one-way system around the Tommy area.

“We hope to be ready to give out support soon and have already been given the help of Seaham Town Council, but we’re also waiting to hear about being part of the national effort.”

Councillor Kevin Shaw, a member of Durham County Council and Seaham Town Council, said: “In consultation with Durham County Council, we are looking at how we can work together for the benefit of the community and we are trying to utilise that enthusiasm they have to help.”