A local takeaway owner has been delivering food packages to struggling pensioners across Stoke-on-Trent amid the cost of living crisis.

Arfan Mohammed, owner of Sizzlers Fast Food takeaway in Abbey Hulton, has also been donating cash to help elderly residents pay their rising gas and electricity bills. 

Arfan told Stoke Nub News: "I believe that pensioners will never ask for help, you'll never see a pensioner asking for anything, but they are the ones that have built this country, they've fought wars and built infrastructure.

"When it's time for them not to stress, not to work and just to enjoy the rest of their lives, they're having to stress about food, electricity and gas bills and compromise on their food and heating.

"I decided it's only right for me to give something back to the community that gives me so much."

Arfan delivering pensioner packs to local residents (Sizzlers).

The packs include enough food to last one person around a week and contain staples such as rice, pasta, biscuits and cakes as well as tinned food. 

Arfan began this scheme by buying the goods himself, but now he receives an influx of donations from the local community. 

He said: "It's all because of my customers, they always give something back to me, we've got a good relationship and we all help each other.

"It doesn't matter what race or religion you are, it's about bringing communities together, bringing faiths together to try and help those in need."

Arfan's takeaway, on Abbots Road, also sponsors local football teams, pool players and often gives to dogs homes. 

An example food pack given out to pensioners across the city (Arfan Mohammed).

Recently, he has also supported those affected by earthquakes in Turkey and Syria by sending over clothing, sleeping bags and other essentials. 

Arfan has received an influx of support for all his work, but especially the pensioner packs supporting those in need in Stoke. 

He said: "Pensioners have been very thankful and have said that they don't need tp shop that week which will allow them to help out their own family, so we're helping generations not just the elderly."

If you know a struggling pensioner who would benefit from Arfan's help, you can put them forward by contacting Arfan on Facebook. 

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