The Friendly Food Club has partnered with Dorset Council and local organisations to put together festive cooking kits for families this Christmas.

Together with Colehill Scouts, Vale Pantry, and local businesses Sixt and Booker Catering – and with funding from the Department for Education – the charity and its 20 volunteers were able to deliver 1000 bags across the county.

Each contains a craft, sport and cooking activity, including all the ingredients needed to make a chicken, ham and vegetable pie.

An instructional video has also been produced by Bournemouth Scout Network and voluntarily edited by Mircea Donea to provide step by step guidance for the recipe.

Liz Guilmant-Cush, CEO of The Friendly Food Club, said: “Christmas is a time for everyone to pull together to support our local communities.

“We’re delighted to support and be supported by some wonderful Dorset-based businesses and groups.”

As Dorset’s food and education charity, The Friendly Food Club organises healthy, fun cooking events for families with small budgets.

Their original ‘cookboxes’ were launched during lockdown while face-to-face workshops were on hold.

The charity has distributed 12,000 bags, making 48,000 meals, since 2020.

Cllr Clare Sutton, cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills at Dorset Council, added: “Many families across Dorset are struggling with the cost of living, and it’s even more challenging at this time of year.

“Alongside funded holiday activities, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Winter in Dorset programme ensures that all children have the opportunity to enjoy festive fun and activities during the Christmas holiday.”

• thefriendlyfoodclub.org