AN energy firm is set to provide 80 cooked meals for deserving cases in East Lancashire on Christmas Day.

Future Energy has teamed up with catering students from Accrington and Rossendale College to provide the seasonal bounty for Maundy Relief users in Hyndburn.

The meals will be handed over on December 20 for the charity to distribute to families and vulnerable adults they work with through the year.

Charity patron Julie Hesmondhalgh, the former Coronation Street star, said: "Maundy is completely reliant on the generosity of others and for people to continue supporting us in the lead up to Christmas, when money is tight for many, is fantastic."

Joel Tetlow, managing director of the Accrington-based energy firm, added: "We really wanted to step up to help a local charity this year for Christmas and we decided the next best thing to providing heat to homes, is providing energy for people.

"Collectively we agreed that the best Christmas gift we can give vulnerable people this year is a hot meal to enjoy."

College tutor and chef Chris Dobson, assisted by students, will oversee the finished fare, at their Roots Restaurant.

Charlotte Scheffmann, college assistant principal, said: "This is something which many of us take for granted due to ability, finances or practical reasons."