A KIND-HEARTED mum from Prestonpans has been handing out everything necessary for a Sunday roast to those in need this Christmas.

Jane Russell, 44, of Harlawhill Gardens, has been flooded with donations as well as appeals for help from families in the county since she posted on Facebook that she was willing to drop off the fresh meal kits.

The mum-of-three was inspired to help those in need because only a few years ago she was struggling herself, and whilst she thinks foodbanks are great, she knows that some people can be hesitant to use them.

She wanted to offer a mobile alternative for families, providing them with fresh food.

Jane’s family have all got involved and have set up the Facebook page ‘Sunday fresh chicken dinner boxes’ so families can get in touch.

Their meal kit includes: a fresh whole chicken, fresh herbs, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, onions, Yorkshire puddings, gravy granules and selection boxes or biscuits.

Jane said: “I never imagined that it would grow this big but since I posted on Facebook it has just snowballed.

“I wouldn’t be able to do all of this myself and so many people have offered to help out, which is amazing.

“We now have four drivers helping and I keep coming home to bags of food and chickens on my doorstep.

“The idea was originally that I would deliver them on a Friday so that the families would have everything necessary for Sunday dinner but we’re now delivering Wednesday to Sunday.

“And we were only going to do this up until Christmas but we are going to extend it until after New Year because we know the foodbank closes for a period and we’d like to help anyone struggling over that time.

“My kids have been helping make the boxes up at night and my youngest two even dress up as elves to help.”

Jane who has two children at Preston Tower Primary School, Prestonpans, and one at Musselburgh Grammar School, has been inundated with requests from families in the county and elsewhere; she even had a message from someone in the USA on social media who did not realise she was based in East Lothian.

She is only able to deliver within the county and has been “heartbroken” to have to say no to some families but her act of kindness has inspired others to pick up the task of producing boxes for other areas.

Jane is also fundraising to start up her Prestonpans-based charity The Young Minds Hub to help young people with mental health issues.

To request a box, contact the Facebook page ‘Sunday fresh chicken dinner boxes’.