The owner of two East Lancashire takeaways is offering free food to all members of the NHS services.

Assad Khalil who runs both the Blackburn and Burnley branches of Pepe's said he wanted to assist those working to fight the coronavirus epidemic.

Mr Khalil said, “We would like to show appreciation and support to those on the front line within the NHS service who are daily supporting vulnerable people in the hospitals and communities.

“We will be delighted to provide a hot meal free of charge per person daily - for any staff member who presents an NHS ID card upon collection from both Blackburn and Burnley Pepe’s stores.

“Call and Collect is now in place to ensure social distancing and all our staff within both stores are required to go through our daily shielding process.

"You can find our menu on our website.”

The Burnley Branch of Pepe's is based at 290-290a Colne Rd and the Blackburn Branch is at 143 Victoria St.

These stores are only for call and collect and customers are advised that the premises are closed to members of the public.