A taxi firm has stepped in to deliver free school dinners to youngsters forced to study at home because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pupils, from John Spence Community High School in North Shields, are getting packed lunches thanks to Radar Taxis.
The company has offered its services for free as the country goes into lockdown to limit the spread of the virus.
By the end of this week, the firm’s drivers will have delivered 1,000 packed lunches to children who normally get free school meals.
Headteacher Jonathan Heath said: “This community spirit and incredible generosity is overwhelming and is a great story of people pulling together in times of crisis.”
The offer of free deliveries was made after Mr Heath called Radar Taxis to see if they could help distribute packed lunches.
He added: “I was hoping for a discounted rate for the deliveries, but midway through the phone call a director of the firm, Eddie King, made it clear that he wanted to help and that there would be no charge for the service.”
Around 80 meals were delivered on the first day the school was closed.
Praising Radar Taxis, Mr Heath said: “It is heartwarming to hear about the support that people are giving each other on a daily basis, in particular those most in need, and the generosity of Radar Taxis sums up what is best about our community.”
The school and Radar Taxis will continue to work together over the next nine school days. After that, it is hoped a wider solution will be put in place by the Government.
