A KNUTSFORD restaurant has once again dug deep to help those less privileged enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings – and is appealing to other businesses to get onboard.

For the fifth year running, The Belle Epoque will be providing a Christmas turkey and hamper of food to The Salvation Army’s Northwich branch for their upcoming Christmas Day lunch.

Matthew Mooney, Director of The Belle Epoque and The Rose n Crown Chop House, is also keen to encourage other restaurants in the area to get involved – no matter how much they have to spare.

He said: “If every restaurant donated just £50 worth of food, it would go some way to making Christmas a little easier for all involved in this worthwhile cause.

“At The Belle Epoque, we are looking to support charities and local causes, and our support of The Salvation Army has now become somewhat of a Christmas tradition.”

Following The Salvation Army’s 2013 Christmas Appeal, thousands of volunteers have pledged their support at Christmas, including those who will give up their family Christmas Day to help provide a festive meal, gifts and celebrations for people who would otherwise be alone and unsupported.

Captain Imogen Stewart, leader of The Salvation Army in Northwich, thanked The Belle Epoque for their continued support.

“We are absolutely indebted for Belle Epoque’s generosity each year to us at Christmas, helping us to help other less fortunate,” she said.

“It is something we do not take for granted, yet each year it is a truly amazing act of kindness. The Belle Epoque is amazing, wonderful people and two words – thank you – do not seem enough.”

Anyone wanting to get involved in fundraising or gifting to the charity should contact Imogen on 01606 330 572 or email imogen.stewart@salvationarmy.org.uk.