CARE leavers have been enjoying a tasty treat during lockdown thanks to a restaurant's generous gesture.

The young people from Middlesbrough, who have all recently started living independently, are being sent make-you-own pizza kits and sweet treat boxes from family-run Olivello, in Linthorpe Road.

Almost 300 of the kits were sent out last week.

Debbie Ocak of Olivello said: "We've been doing everything we can to support NHS staff and care workers during lockdown, so when the Care Leavers Forum got in touch, me and my husband Cemil were so excited to get involved and offer our services.

"I have seen first-hand what some children endure, so we wanted to give something back to them that they would enjoy.

"It's a privilege to be able to help children's services in any way we can."

Thanking the team, Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: "What an amazing act of kindness - it really will mean a great deal to our care leavers, for whom life can be pretty lonely in lockdown.

"For many they're just starting to live independently, and this gesture shows that people are looking out and caring for them."

"A huge thank you to Debbie and Cemil and the whole team at Olivello - to think of others like this is truly inspiring."