A GROUP of homeless people will get a free chippy tea at the special re-opening of a fish and chip shop.

The Queen Vic Fish and Chips on Preston New Road, will provide a meal for between 60 to 80 people, who are supported by specialist services in the borough.

The initiative is supported by Team Homeless, a group of diverse individuals from Blackburn, who already assist homeless people on a weekly basis in a car park. They distribute food donated by the wider community.

The Queen Vic Fish and Chips is based on the location of the former Mother Hubbards.

Owner Ibrahim Sanibal, 37, has worked in the service industry for 20 years and opened his first business in 2000, while studying business accounting at the University of Central Lancashire.

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He opened the first Queen Vic Fish and Chips in Preston in 2014 and then one in Chorley the following year.

And as the opening falls during the period of Ramadan, which is the holiest month of the year for practicing Muslims, he has decided to give something back to the community.

Mr Sanibal, of Tulketh Avenue, Preston said: “I wanted to do this as a Muslim, because Ramadan is a period of giving, but also as a person, because it is always important to give something back to the community where we can.

“We are all here together to help each other and to show that we are willing to help each other.

“It’s something we have done in Preston, and we’ll look to do more of this type of thing in Blackburn to bring people together.

“I like being with the customers, I like the challenges and the stress.

"I’m looking forward to the opening.

"Rather than people being given food on the streets, they will be brought to us so we can give them a good meal and talk to them.

“I’m grateful for everything we have achieved.

“We pride ourselves on our great customer service and quality food, these are the keys to success.”

The chippy will open its doors from 6pm tomorrow.