THE co-owner of a deli has spoken of her surprise after the Chancellor Rishi Sunak popped in to buy a sandwich and a drink.

Jane Ablett, who co-owns Chapters Deli in Stokesley, said her team were left surprised after a visit from Mr Sunak on Friday.

Mr Sunak, who is also MP for Richmondshire, was in the region ahead of the launch of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme next week.

Ms Ablett said: "We didn't think for one minute he would visit us, he met a lot of people, had lots of photographs taken.

"He met our chef John Carpenter and waitresses, before he got a sandwich from us."

Ms Ablett has worked at the venue for the past 11 years, which recently reopened following the coronavirus outbreak in March. 

She said: "He was interested to know how we were finding trade after the lockdown - it was a nice experience for everyone."

The deli, which is located next to the police station in the town, is signed up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

From next week, businesses opted in will be able to offer half price food and non-alcoholic drink between Monday and Wednesday, throughout August.

You can find out what businesses are participating here:

The scheme is capped at £10 worth of discount per person.