World Wide Wings owner Elliott Evans, 30, has been creating free “out of school” dinners and delivering them to families this month who are in need of a little help.

The business owner revealed his family struggled when he was younger, inspiring him to help out needy families during the current cost-of-living crisis.

World Wide Wings has bases in London Road, Westcliff and at the Woodmans Arms pub, in Thundersley, and will deliver food to anyone who needs it across south Essex.

Elliott said: “When I was growing up, my family wasn’t well off and struggled. With the ever-present cost of living crisis, I know what difficulties they’re experiencing, so that’s why I want to cook and give them healthy meals, so they’re well fed and looked after.

“It’s just nice to be able to do something good.”

It comes as Southend Foodbank revealed on social media that it has spent more than £60,000 recently on food to keep up with demand –highlighting the sheer number of people in need in the city.

Alongside a team of trusty volunteers, Elliott believes he can make “100 meals in four hours”.

Food on offer includes spaghetti bolognese, chilli con carne with rice and a hot dog pasta bake.

Anyone in need can contact Elliott via the World Wide Wings Facebook page, or by calling the restaurant directly.

However, this poses the risk of non-genuine individuals taking advantage of the initiative.

Elliott added: “When I do deliveries, I’ve been making a judgement as to if they’re really going through a difficult period.

“Of course, you can’t judge a book by its cover if they have a nice house, but if there’s a hint of a problem, they’ll not be added to the re-deliver list, which holds people’s addresses for those needing help so I can go back to them again.”

On Saturday, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money, which will cover food, packaging and fuel costs.

Within a day, Elliott reached his £500 target and has now extended it to £1,000.

He feels grateful for everyone who has donated and is going to keep the crowdfunding going to help more people.