BRADFORD-based Inn Churches has been given a grant from Marks & Spencer to buy a new commercial freezer.

This will allow them to provide more meals to vulnerable people this Christmas.

The retailer has been running a nationwide food surplus programme since 2015 which connects all of its stores to food charities and community groups – from soup kitchens for the homeless, to community cafés supporting local families with meals.

Inn Churches has been partnered with Marks & Spencer since 2015, and provides around 234,000 people with meals each year.

Earlier this year, Marks & Spencer announced it will work with Bradford Council and local charities to support the community and tackle important issues. The move is part of the retailer’s sustainability programme, Plan A 2025, launched earlier this year.

Juli Thompson at Inn Churches said: “We are seeing increased demand for our service in the city and so this additional freezer space helps us to increase our capacity, meaning we can support more local people.

"We’re extremely grateful for this support, which will benefit so many people in need in Bradford, and we are also delighted to have the team from M&S Bradford donating turkeys and coming to our winter shelter to lend a hand.”

Hazel Culley, Sustainability Manager at Marks & Spencer added: “Playing a role in Bradford is really important to us. The partnership with Inn Churches charity enables us to support Inn Churches in ensuring that those in need receive a nutritious meal from our local stores. By donating a commercial freezer, we are making sure that the charity can take in and store more surplus food.”