THE kind-hearted owner of a Musselburgh eatery is serving up free meals to those in need on Christmas Day.

Alistair ‘Ali’ Barclay, 26, who runs the Sandwich Stop, said the invitation was open to the homeless, people on their own and staff from the emergency services who were away from their families on Christmas Day.

He will be serving turkey and all the trimmings, soup, teas and coffees at his premises at 155 North High Street from 10am to 4pm. Vegetarian options also look set to be on the menu.

Mr Barclay said he had been inspired by the work carried out by Edinburgh entrepreneur Josh Littlejohn of Social Bite, a sandwich shop and cafe which donates all its profits to social causes and has attracted visits by Hollywood A-listers George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Mr Barclay, who also works for Musselburgh childcare provider the East Lothian Out of School Care Network, added: “I was keen to reward the community that supports my business by giving something back.”

Another local shopkeeper, Neil Wilson, who runs a greengrocer’s business on High Street, was impressed when the spotted the Sandwich Stop’s gesture via Facebook.

Mr Wilson, who was the Town Champion in this year’s Riding of the Marches boundary-marking ceremony, decided to supply all the vegetables for the lunch free-of-charge.

Mr Barclay said: “We have no idea how many people will turn up and hopefully people wouldn’t abuse it, but we are open for anybody who needs us really.”

He will be helped by two family members on Christmas Day.

Mr Barclay said that any food that is left over will be distributed to nursing homes in the area.

He has also been inundated with cash donations from well-wishers in the town, which he is planning to donate to the Basics Bank, which operates at the Baptist Church in Musselburgh every Thursday. The Honest Lads’ Association in Musselburgh gave £150.

Mr Barclay is urging those donating to put their names on baubles or gift tags which will decorate a Christmas tree at the shop.

Mr Barclay works in the shop from 7.30am to 2.30pm before starting his work with ELOSCN providing after-school services and creches.