A CAFÉ is helping customers who are struggling during lockdown by allowing others to buy a meal for them in advance.

The Italian tradition of 'suspended meals' means those who cannot afford a drink or a meal can get one for free thanks to somebody else already having paid.

Cafe88 at 88 Abbey Street in Accrington is run by 47-year-old husband and wife duo Darryl and Wendy Brocklesby.

Customers can donate to a Facebook page and a cheeseboard or afternoon tea will be delivered to someone who needs it.

Mr Brocklesby said: “We did this in the store too, where people could come in and pay for another coffee or meal, then someone in need would get it.

“One customer paid for 10 coffees and another paid for 50, despite the times people are so generous.”

Cafe88 opened in July and is open for takeaway for cheeseboards and afternoon teas only.

People can order online through the Cafe88 Facebook page and have their food delivered.

Mr Brocklesby said: “A lot of families stuck at home can order little afternoon teas to make the days feel different and special.

“We got the keys at the start of the first lockdown and it was just a good opportunity as we had wanted to do this for a long time.

“We wanted it to be more than just a café, but a place to come and sit and have a good time.”

Mrs Brocklesby used to be a merchandiser before the couple decided to buy their first business.

But Mr Brocklesby still works as a graphic designer during the day.

He said: “I was made redundant last year from a big company and for my wife things were not going well.

“While talking, we both said we would love to run our own café.”

The response to the café when it was close to opening, has been nothing but positive for the cafe.

Mr Brocklesby said: “Some people asked if it was going to be a gin bar, so we decided to get a licence to serve alcohol too.”

Since the café opened during the pandemic, the staff are in PPE at all times, with social distancing in place.

Cafe88 sources all its food from local places in Accrington, such as the cheese from Accrington Market.

Mr Brocklesby said: “It is local to us and we would like to support small and local businesses too.

“It is a difficult time and we’ll stick to this even after the lockdown.”

Visit their Facebook page, Cafe 88, for more information on how to donate.