The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London paid a visit to a foodbank in Walthamstow to find out about the work volunteers are doing to support people in need.

Sir Kenneth Olisa, who is the Queen's personal representative in Greater London, went to the PL84U AL-SUFFA on March 2.

The cross-community inter-faith initiative, provides hot meals, companionship, food and clothes to the elderly, homeless and others in need, from all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.

Earlier this month, its founder Saira Begum Mir, received a British Empire Medal for services to Waltham Forest, having created the initiative in 2013 to help those in need.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa, and Saira Begum Mir, founder of PL84U AL-SUFFA food bank in WalthamstowLord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa, and Saira Begum Mir, founder of PL84U AL-SUFFA food bank in Walthamstow

Sir Kenneth went on to join volunteers in helping distribute food items, some of which were donated by world food brand, Tropical Sun, owned by Wanis International Foods, one of the largest private employers in the borough.

Sir Kenneth told volunteers: "During the lockdown period when you really rose up to help everybody it was really remarkable. The work that you’re doing, to me, it symbolises so much that’s great about our country."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Paul Harrison from Tropical Sun Paul Harrison from Tropical Sun

He added: "What was remarkable, absolutely remarkable about the whole Covid experience was how communities just came together and helped each other. So, people who didn’t know who their neighbour was around the corner said “That old lady who lives around the corner, I wonder if she’s OK?” and people went to find out.

"It is really, really encouraging. So, on behalf of the Queen a huge, huge thank you."

If you would like to help support the work of PL84U AL-SUFFA you can donate by visiting www.pl84ualsuffa.co.uk