TIMES are hard for most people amid the global coronavirus pandemic - particularly those who are struggling financially.

But one Prudhoe couple decided to do their bit for the community and make life a little easier for some by cooking more than 100 meals for the town’s most vulnerable people.

The Hexham Courant launched its bouquet of the week appeal in April with the aim of celebrating special citizens across the Tyne Valley.

And this week, we shine a light on Prudhoe town councillor and postal worker Ignasious Varghese and his wife Shiji, who have made 150 traditional Indian meals to be dished out to people in the town.

Ignasious and Shiji had already cooked for around 50 people the previous week - but took on the challenge of feeding three times that many.

Ignasious said: “It was hard work, but we’re both very happy because we can do something for society. This situation is unprecedented.

“People are really appreciative, they’re very very happy when we speak to them.

“They’re in isolation and they don’t get many different types of meal.

“It was a bit spicy but it was good.”

Shiji added: “It was a big challenge. We started early in the morning and just had to keep going. We were exhausted.

“We couldn’t stop because we had to get the food out by three o'clock - but we really enjoyed it, it was worth it.

“It was a balanced meal, because we thought people might not be eating as well. We added lots of vegetables.

“When we were helping deliver food, a resident told me they’d love an Indian takeaway, which is why we did it.”

The couple have also donated 16 hours worth of pay - two days - to good causes during the coronavirus crisis.

In order to help distribute the meals, the couple contacted the Miner’s Lamp Community Hub, which helped get the food to the people who need it.

Trustee Russ Greig said: “Ignasious came to us and asked if he and his wife were to cook something, would we be able to distribute it?

“We provided everything for him to dish it all out and our volunteers helped distribute it.”

Coun. Varghese’s actions were also praised by Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South.

Coun. Stewart said: “We know that Prudhoe has a great community spirit and is arguably the friendliest town out there.

“This is another great example of how we look after each other.

“Ignasious and his family are really kind and generous and always a pleasure to meet.”

Coun. Varghese has been a member of Prudhoe Town Council for three years after joining in 2017, representing the Castlefields and Low Prudhoe ward.

Nominate somebody for bouquet of the week here.