SOLID teamwork has meant that more than 1,100 free meals have been enjoyed by children in Cowdenbeath and Kelty during the last few weeks of school holidays.

Thanks to the efforts of the staff at the Beath Fry, in Dalbeath Crescent, Cowdenbeath; and the Kelty Fry, in Blackhall Square; more than 200 free meals a week have been distributed to local children.

A key element in it all has been Sean Murphy and his family, who run the Beath and Kelty operations and have ensured that the Tuesday and Thursday distributions have gone ahead over the last few weeks.

Sean, wife Susan and youngsters, Ben, Adam, Ellie and Holly, have been putting their collective shoulders to the wheel to keep the distribution going to both communities, despite an equipment problem stopping the Kelty Fry re-opening a few weeks back.

"They have all done a great job as did our driver John Stark, who has been providing the link with our Kelty outlet due to the breakdown shutting the shop's ability to cook food," said Sean.

"Our staff have all volunteered too to get involved in the project which has been brilliant and seeing the delight on the faces of the youngsters when they come to collect what they have ordered has been brilliant."

Sean said that the shops could not have achieved it all without the fantastic backing of their suppliers, who have ensured all the right ingredients have been available to ensure the youngsters could get what they want. These include Mn'M Wholesale, Dunfermline; MGW Seafoods, Falkirk; Raith Fruit, Kirkcaldy; Original Donas Clanmil; Lulu's Cafe, South Queensferry; plus confectionery donations from Kelty businessman, John Hunter.

Added Sean: "The family have all played their part in making things a success, especially with the Kelty shop being out of action, but it will re-open on Thursday.

"We have been serving the communities of Cowdenbeath and Kelty over two decades and we wanted to give something back during this difficult time for local families, and while the lockdown halted our plans for a good few weeks it was brilliant to get back into action the last three weeks before the return to school.

"I must say that the kids, and the parents who have accompanied them on the days of the collections, have been very generous in their praise for our team and I cannot thank them enough for that, I hope the youngsters enjoy getting back to school this week."