Festive chippy offers free food for the needy over Christmas weekend

Sunny and Harj Mann will staff the Market Fish Bar in Wolverhampton city centre for Christmas Eve callers tonight as well as tomorrow, when most other people will be opening presents and preparing the turkey.

The couple, along with their family and friends, said they simply wanted to practise the true spirit of Christmas.

As well as chips, the restaurant will be serving up curry, chilli, samosas, pakoras and beans at the Salop Street restaurant. So as not to exclude anyone, all the food will be vegetarian. They will also make hot drinks and sandwiches.

This is the second year that the couple have opened their doors and offered free food on Christmas Day.

Mr Mann, 38, said: "Last year we were shocked that whole families came to be fed but at the same time we were glad that we were able to help them.

"There are a lot of people in Wolverhampton in a sorry state and I've always had the desire to help them. Then I thought I've got a chip shop - I can I can use my chippie to make a difference to people.

"I haven't done this on my own. My brother and sister have been roped in to help and there are a number of Sikh charities and organisations that are behind it as well. We believe in helping other faiths celebrate their day.

"I'm so glad I did it. There was a really good community vibe last year. It really felt like what Christmas was about."

They will also drop off hot food and sandwiches to nearby hostels.

When he finishes his shift tomorrow, the energetic father-of-four will drive home and start cooking Christmas lunch for his wife and their family. "I have to - she can't cook," he laughed.

Mr Mann said he was looking for someone to play Santa tomorrow - and appealed for carol singers to entertain the diners. "We've ordered loads of potatoes - no one will go hungry," he added.

The chippie will be open between 6pm - 8pm on Christmas Eve and 11am and 1pm on Christmas Day.