LOCAL Michelin starred chef, James Sommerin, who owns Restaurant James Sommerin on the Esplanade in Penarth, has cooked and delivered 1,000 meals to NHS workers who are essential to the fight against Covid-19.

After closing the restaurant due to the virus, Mr Sommerin originally planned on starting a local food delivery service.

However, after reevaluating the potential threat to his family, he stopped the service and used the leftover produce to make almost 1,000 meals which he personally delivered to staff and nurses at the University Hospital of Wales in Heath, Cardiff.

After closing, the restaurant made an official statement: “This has been an extremely difficult time for myself, Lou, our team, suppliers and families who all make Restaurant James Sommerin what it is. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.

“If the events of the past few weeks have taught us anything, it has taught us never to take anything for granted.”

Mr Sommerin made the meals with his wife, Louise, and his daughter, Georgia, who is herself a chef.

Georgia was due to represent Wales on the Great British Menu before the disruption caused by the virus.

After appealing to the public to provide plastic food tubs, Mr Sommerin and his family delivered the food parcels to the University Hospital of Wales.

He thanked those who helped him to deliver the food on his Facebook page.

He said: “To be honest I feel really humbled.

“To be able to do that was just fantastic and it was so well received.

“These guys are doing such a grand job and it is the least we can do.”

Staff at the University Hospital of Wales thanked Mr Sommerin on Facebook, writing: “Massive thanks for the huge food drop off. Lots of happy faces around the hospital.

“We are all very grateful for your kindness and generosity at this time, it means more to us than you will ever know.”

Mr Sommerin has plans to make more meals using food donated by local suppliers.