It’s called The Legends Box – and the person who came up with the brilliant idea is proving something of a legend himself.

Step forward Ric Exley, former Managing Director of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee.

His idea?

Bring together at least 15 amazing food and drink products, generously donated free of charge by companies in Dorset and beyond.

All in one cardboard box.

Then invite the Great British Public to nominate a legend, be it family, friend, neighbour, colleague, or a work team.

For just £15, the box will be delivered to the nominated legend/s free of charge.

And all profits are donated to The Trussell Trust and its UK-wide network of 1,200 food banks.

Ric is hoping to sell 1,000 boxes by Christmas.

He’s well on the way – 650 have already been purchased since the venture was launched on December 8.

But the final 200 could prove a challenge as supplies of cardboard boxes are proving hard to find and purchase.

Ric, 48, said: “I came up with the idea in October.

“But it was only last month that I registered The Legends Box as a company.

“The boxes may sell for £15 but, in fact, the contents are worth at least £25 or even more.

“Apart from the boxes, everything has been donated – from the products, to the tape we use and the printing.

“The support I’ve received has been just amazing.

“Vita Coco and the Great British Biscotti were the first to be approached.

“They immediately said they’d be involved and it grew from there.

“Some have donated a few hundred products, others a thousand which means their products will be in every box.

“It’s really brought out the best in people.”

Ric is based in a hall in Poole packing and fulfilling the orders as well as carrying out deliveries within the local area.

Working flat out six days a week for up to 15 hours a day, Ric is helped by his partner Hayley Cull, 46, who runs ((Bounce)) Poole exercise classes.

The couple, who have been together ten years, live in Ashley Cross, Poole.

Ric was also the Sales Director of Global Ethics Ltd for three years.

The company is the UK’s largest philanthropic beverage business, donating 100 per cent of its profits – over £20m – to fund multiple international water, sanitation and hygiene schemes.

Dorset companies providing products for The Legends Box include:

• Great British Biscotti
• Katies Food Co
• Mr Lee’s Noodles
• Precision Hydration
• The Coffee Hub Group

The website, domain and hosting – www.thelegendsbox.co.uk – was donated by Neil Judges of Brandwell.

Ric said: “It’s a simple idea but it seems to have really taken off very quickly.”

• To send a Legends Box to your nominated legend please click here.