HUNGRY shoppers in Wanstead are in for a treat on Tuesday when a takeaway chain will hand out 100 free pizzas to celebrate its 25th birthday.

The stunt, organised by the High Street branch of Papa John’s Pizza, also coincides with a visit from the American company's founder, John Schnatter.

Mr Schnatter first founded the chain in 1984 in Kentucky. A quarter of a century on, Papa John's claims to be the third largest pizza company in the world, with more than 3,400 outlets in 30 countries.

Mr Schnatter said: “Papa John’s UK is a key international growth area for our company, and is setting the benchmark in terms of quality and expansion for other countries across the world.

"I am looking forward to meeting the people of Wanstead and giving away 100 pizzas to celebrate our 10 successful years in the UK."

The pizzas will be handed out at 1pm outside Papa John’s High Street branch on May 12.