Food bank project to be set up under the eye of Seaham's Tommy to help the hungry during crisis

A tent is to be set up on Terrace Green and a drive-thru set up for volunteers and drop-offs as part of a wider project being run by the team at Flanders in North Terrace.

The cafe opened on Wednesday, March 18, but had to close two days later under Government guidance to try and half the spread of coronavirus.

Now its team are turning their attentions to helping those in need as they wait for the lockdown to pass.

Plans are in the pipeline to set up a donation centre to support food banks in the area, with further details being confirmed and discussions ongoing with Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary.

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Ex-Para Andrew Harrison and former military chef Chris O'Connor, who set up Flanders in the former Alders bar and coffee house, are also operating a paid-for delivery service for hot dishes.

A team of volunteer drivers with a background in the forces, fire service and police are also being recruited as efforts to help those most in need is developed.

Car parking spaces have been cordoned off to help in the smooth running of the project.

Andrew said: “Myself and Chris, we are both vets so we decided we wanted to do something for our community.

“We’re using our kitchen facilities and working with our suppliers and our staff are all volunteers to bring this project together.”

A website offering more details is due to be launched.

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