A pub owner is making free food for those struggling and most in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jack Robertson took over The Coalgate in Ormiston last year and has been providing the meals alongside his cousin Grant Laurenson, 28, who owns The Foresters, in Pathhead

They have been delivering meals to Tranent and Pencaitland, as well as Ormiston, but people can also collect them from The Coalgate every Thursday, between noon and 3pm.

Jack, 25, said: “We just did it off our own back and want to help people that we know who need it.

“I’m shocked at how many people are struggling for a hot meal; it’s really upsetting. We want to do what we can while we can.”

Some of Jack’s staff have been coming into work and preparing the meals, while sticking to distancing and health and safety guidelines.

They started off with soup and stovies but are now branching out into other foods such as macaroni, with the aim of giving people at least one hearty, home-cooked meal a day.

So far, more than 1,000 meals have been provided.

Jack said: “The amount of people we have been helping is really good, it’s really rewarding.

“The number of meals keeps going up and it’s keeping me busy.

“I can’t believe the response and the number of people getting in touch, but I’m still worried we are missing people out; that’s my main concern.

“The community has been fantastic and is helping each other out.”

He has also been dropping off shopping and checking in on people while doing his rounds.

Morrisons in Portobello also donated some food items so food parcels could be made for those who are struggling during the ongoing crisis.

Anyone who would like to use the service, or recommend someone else who could benefit from it, are asked to message The Coalgate on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecoalgate or call 01875 614650 on a Wednesday or Thursday.