A DAWLISH company will be serving up paella to NHS staff as a thank-you for their hard work during the coronavirus crisis.

Buen Apetito opted to put all of this week’s profits towards feeding workers at Exeter’s RD&E Hospital with their popular chicken and chorizo delicacy.

The kind caterers had already pledged to supply at least 50 dishes for the staff, including the critical care personnel and the many key workers working hard for all of us.

But they wanted to do more, and at the time of going to press, 200 portions had been pledged.

As well as ordering for themselves, punters have also been ordering up portions specifically for the hospital workers – a gesture which the company is matching.

Delivery and distribution has already been taken care of, with a capacity to hand-out 200 dishes in total.

And other local businesses are chipping in too, with Dawlish-based M&D Hire and Geralds Supermarkets offering free gas and chicken, and rice coming gratis courtesy of Teignmouth’s Rustic Kitchen.

Dawlish-based Fravacado have also offered to donate and match the paella with their delightful single pot ice creams for the NHS staff too.

Owner Andy Todd said: ‘We are not taking any profit this week nor are we looking for praise. Let’s just all send some “paella love” this Saturday to these amazing people.

‘I was fortunate enough to work at the RD&E on the elderly care wards Kenn and Bovey with an amazing team.

‘They are truly inspirational even when there isn’t this horrible COVID-19, but when something like this happens, the NHS do what they do best... work even harder in extreme circumstances to help us all!’

Last weekend Buen Apetito delivered 120 portions across Teignbridge, while closely following the Government’s social distancing instructions.

This even meant that one happy customer had her supper winched up to her using a rope and bucket.

Since their intentions were announced, Andy says he and his team have been stunned by the response.

‘It’s been very overwhelming. We have had many portions donated, as well as donations of money to add to the total, too,’ he explained.

‘We have promised to match every three for £10 donation with two of our own portions, so that is five portions going to the NHS for every £10.

‘We are now looking to do this each week for as long as we are able and until all this is over! For the record, as a business, we are rated five stars with Teignbridge Council.’

Chicken and chorizo is available alongside a vegan option, at a price of £4 each or three for £10.

Delivery is available in Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Starcross, Teignmouth, Shaldon and Newton Abbot.

Orders can be made through Facebook (www.facebook.com Buen.Apetito.Devon) or by email at [email protected].

The company will then send a Paypal request for payment which will say ‘Buen Apetito’ on it.

‘If you are donating for the NHS, then please simply send your donation to [email protected] and click on “Friends and Family” so that we don’t have to pay the fees to Paypal. Any saving on fees is always good if it’s for the NHS staff,’ Andy added.

He also said that if donations keep coming in, then they are planning to deliver to Torbay Hospital next week.