March mum and daughter amazed at support for their hot food service

Becky Ward and her mum Caroline Dove at work in their kitchen

A mother and daughter who provide meals for people in need have seen a surge in support.

Caroline Dove, 61, and Becky Ward, 30, run Caroline's Hot Food service from Ms Dove's kitchen in March, Cambridgeshire.

The pair, who use their own money to fund the meals, were featured on BBC Look East and Radio Cambridgeshire talking about their work.

They said support "blew up" as a result and donations had poured in.

Caroline Dove said that as long as she had enough money to get by, she would continue to help others

Ms Dove was inspired to start the service after caring for her late mother.

The pair started making meals in 2022 and have seen a rise in families with young children coming to them for food, as well as elderly people.

After appearing on the BBC, the mother-and-daughter team said many people had been in touch to offer donations.

The duo often cook more than 100 meals twice a week for struggling and vulnerable people

Ms Ward told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "It just blew up. So many people wanted to donate money, food or equipment. It is amazing.

"We have been so busy. It has been lovely to get word out there for support and to let people who need us know we are here."

On Wednesdays and Fridays, Ms Dove cooks between 70 and 150 meals, depending on demand, which cost her and her daughter about £90.

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"People are asking what we need and donating it. I have the next few meals all sorted," she said.

"It's great and has taken a lot of the worry about how to feed people off me."

She added that people should not be embarrassed to use their service.

"We not giving a handout - it is a hand-up. People just need a little help sometimes, so while I can do it I will," she said.

The Food Standards Agency has given Caroline's Hot Food a five-star hygiene rating.