North prisoners have helped to prepare more than 1,000 meals which a north charity has dished out to those in need.
Inmates at Porterfield Prison in Inverness are plating up filling fare, which the city-based Food For Families is distributing across the area.
The project usually only runs during winter, but has been expanded to operate during lockdown following a grant from the Scottish Government.
Packages being handed out also include groceries, clothes, footwear and toys for selected families.
The good cause, which was set up 10 years ago by businessman David Sutherland and his wife Anne, will deliver its 25,000th meal this month.
Project manager Alex Gilchrist said: ”Things have really gathered pace since social workers suggested to us in late March that we should start up again to help families in hardship to cope with the lockdown.
“We’ve passed the 1,000 mark in meals, cooked by our own volunteers and by the prison, whose efforts are much appreciated, and we’re pleased that Culloden Baptist Church is doing some regular fresh baking for us.
“More than 180 meals a week are now being distributed.”
Mr Sutherland said it was “heartwarming” to see the volunteers working so hard during these times.
He said: “Such hardship, often overlooked, exists in our local community and with the virus keeping people at home, the ability to have a nourishing hot meal is so important to children and parents alike.
“It’s great to see how much valuable work they’re doing to prevent families from going hungry.”
