STAFF at The Old Hall Cafe have been praised for their hard work during the school closures.

Up and down the country children have been forced to take shelter in their own homes and for many parents, it is difficult to find the extra money to feed the children the extra meals.

Children who were able to receive a free school meal are able to claim vouchers toward shopping or in some cases collect a packed lunch.

However, The Old Hall Cafe, who has provides the meals for Petteril Bank Primary School, wanted to keep offering the children the chance to have a hot school meal every day.

The team in the kitchen along with a tribe of volunteers have spent the last few weeks cooking and delivering the meals to children in the area.

The business owner Stephen Carney could have closed the kitchen but decided to continue feeding the children.

Helping to deliver the meal is County Councillor for Harraby South Deborah Earl who is also supporting the idea said: “Petteril Bank School in partnership with Steve Carney owner of the Old Hall Cafe has continued to provide hot, nutritious meals for pupils who qualify for free school meals attending the school.

“Since day one of the school closure and through the Easter holidays, Steve and his team along with me, have delivered more than 70 meals to the doorstep to ensure nobody misses out while not being able to attend school.

“I’m proud to be part of this team and help the children get their lunch.”

The team, who are working non-stop have been overwhelmed with the support and response they have received and have started to decorate the windows with the drawings and cards

In a post from the cafes social media, it said: “School meals are going to be available for all Petteril Bank pupils rather than a packed lunch.

“We have decided to provide a balanced hot meal.

“If all Petteril Bank parents log onto the Petteril Bank community school website they will be able to order.

“We will do our best to deliver to those families in the area if they can’t collect.”

Explaining how busy thing had been they continued: “What a couple of busy days delivering school meals.

“We value all your custom and sorry to those who had to wait a little longer for deliveries. We will continue to do hot meals all this week.

The team offered thanks to all those who have supported them saying: “ Big thank you to all our customers that have supported us this week it is very much appreciated.”