Portsmouth FC defender Christian Burgess cooks up vegan dishes at The Akash for vulnerable residents

The Akash, in Albert Road, Southsea, joined forces with Pompey centre-back Christian Burgess and the Portsmouth Bangladeshi Business Association, cooking for people in the surrounding area.

Burgess and restaurateur Faz Ahmed whipped up some vegan meals in the kitchen, which will be shared out between food banks and Pompey In The Community.

As previously reported in The News, Burgess has been using his free time to help others by volunteering in kitchens and food banks across the city.

He said: ‘We realise it’s a difficult time for lots of people who are affected by this crisis and the team wanted to do something to help.

‘We’ve done this by raising some money and providing meals for the PO9 Foodbank, Pompey In The Community and other vulnerable people in the city.

‘We hope we can have a positive impact.’

The restaurant is cooking vegan meals due to their nutritional value, and a growing need for vegan dishes to be served in the community.

Mr Ahmed, joint owner of The Akash, said: ‘It’s great to team up with the Portsmouth Bangladeshi Business Association, and Christian Burgess, to cook and distribute these meals.

‘Around a quarter of meals will go to a food bank local to us and the remaining 75 per cent will be delivered to Pompey In The Community for distribution.

‘It’s an important time to help out.’