Burnley couple's free chippy tea pledge to lift villagers' spirits

Keith and Janice Heys said they wanted to do something to help lift spirits amid the Covid-19 outbreak, and have joined forces with Dean and Margaret Stansfield, from Worsthorne Village Chippy, to offer a teatime treat this Friday delivered straight to people's doorsteps.

Residents living in Worsthorne and Hurstwood aged over 70 were encouraged to place an order, and Keith said they had been following Government guidelines when classifying key workers.

Keith said: "It is for NHS workers, delivery drivers, shop workers; all the people who the Government are currently classing as key workers. It's also for those a bit older who may be struggling to get out.

"We just felt that we should be doing something. Janice had spoken with her mum and dad who said that one of the things they were going to miss the most was their Friday chippy tea. That gave us the idea, so we got in touch with Dean and Margaret who have kindly volunteered their time and services.

"We hope more than anything it puts a smile on people's faces."

Orders were limited to fish and chips, sausage and chips, steak pudding and chips, and chips, and Keith said it was looking like they would be delivering to more than 100 people.

"We've been overwhelmed by the response. Not just the orders, but people offering donations or volunteering their time.

"We have four people who have volunteered to act as delivery drivers so we'll be dividing up the village between us. It's a bit tricky at the minute because Brownside Road is closed following the gas explosion at the sub-station, but we'll sort it.

"Obviously, everyone involved will be extra vigilant and take extra care with each step of the process."