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Every evening throughout the pandemic, Joyce and Jim Loten have set out to collect end of day produce that would otherwise be destroyed.

The selfless couple, who have lived in Chichester for 38 years, make two journeys every evening, filling up the boot of their car with items which they deliver to St Richard's Hospital and the fire station through their daughter's charity — Services Outreach Support UK.

Joyce said: "This supports all blue lights services. We got on board with his before the pandemic by picking up food and supplying the neighbourhood.

"We intend to carry on longer after the pandemic has finished as there's so much wastage from shops. People are still going to struggle to afford food.

"We feel as part of the community, we need to make sure everyone has enough to eat at any time, irrespective of what pay band you're on.

"It makes sure we can get to people who, otherwise, would be on their own and are too embarrassed to say they haven't got enough to eat."

Joyce, 70, worked as a phlebotomist at a GP practice for 15 years. Since her retirement, she has focused on her charity work, whilst also acting as the primary carer for her husband, and former upholster, Jim, 69, who has dementia.

"I'm lucky that he [Jim] comes with me all the time," Joyce said. "Everybody loves to see him. It also gives him something to look forward to meeting people."

Jack Lawlor, who has Downs Syndrome, has played a part by delivering the leftover flowers and daffodils to residents on the Swanfield Park estate as he took his daily exercise

Joyce said the volunteering work ensures that local families in need are getting the 'right type of food'.

She said: "It's not just left over bread. There are always things like fruit, vegetables, soft drinks, etc.

Chichester couple's tireless volunteering has kept people fed throughout pandemic - 'If we didn't, food would go in the bin and that would be criminal'