Masterchef finalist Dean Banks cooks Christmas dinner for those struggling in Dundee community

People facing the sharp end of soaring prices have been treated to Christmas dinner made by celebrity chef Dean Banks.

The Masterchef finalist and his team provided a turkey dinner with all the trimmings for those supported by the Steeple church in Dundee.

Dean told STV News he wanted to do something worthwhile to give back to his community.

He said: “I’m from this area originally. I live over in Fife now, but Dundee is where I grew up.

“I just felt that if I have the power to give something back, I’d like to do it.

“This is the third year I’ve done this and it just gives me great joy during the festive period to see smiles on people’s faces. I really enjoy being able to give back to the community.”

The Parish Nursing service at the Steeple church supports people recovering from addiction as well as their mental health.

Since the cost of living started to increase, they’ve seen more people coming to them for help.

Barbara MacFarlane, one of the Parish Nurses, said: “We are seeing a few more people struggling more and I don’t expect that will change. Our numbers might continue to rise.

“We used to think it was a really busy day if 45 people came. Now, it’s a busy day if 65 people come, and that’s in the last six to eight months.”