KEY workers were served up more than 100 pizzas as a thank you for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Colchester-based catering firm Black Jacket Group served up the delicious Margherita and pepperoni treats from a portable pizza oven in the town’s picturesque Castle Park.

The company did so as part of its Thank Our Heroes initiative, which aims to offer quirky donations to key workers as a different way of expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Director William Grinsted said: “We had quite a queue and were busy throughout the day.

“It seemed like half of Essex Police enjoyed some pizza, everyone who came got a slice.

“We even did deliveries to some places in town and made more than 150 pizzas.

“We thought this would be a nice thing to do for key workers, and we were able to do this as we don’t have some of the other commitments we usually would such as the Clacton Airshow.”

The firm will next complete a sponsored attempt of the Three Peaks Challenge – a bid to summit the three tallest peaks in the UK within 24 hours.

With the cash raised by the challenge, the catering company will look to buy as many keyworkers as possible a turkey ahead of this Christmas.

Donors will be able to buy a turkey and name the key worker they would like to donate it to.

Mr Grinsted said: “There are many different people who have carried out key work during lockdown, not just those in the police or NHS workers.

“So, for example, if someone wanted to thank their Tesco delivery driver for their efforts with a turkey donation then they can.

“We want to really thank those who have gone above and beyond this year to help their communities.

“We can make sure that person knows who has nominated them and donated the turkey.”

The firm will contact nominees and invite them to collect their turkey from Charter Hall, Colchester, on Sunday, December 20.

Mr Grinsted added: “A provision will be made for deliveries of turkeys to the vulnerable.

“There is a capacity for donors to donate a turkey to a group of individuals such as a care facility any group of key workers.

“People can also donate to the collective fund, this fund will be used to purchase turkeys which will be distributed to food banks.”

The company will look to culminate its efforts with its Thank Our Heroes Fest, a music festival in Castle Park.

It will be held across four days in May, with at least 1,000 tickets given away to care professionals and nominated heroes.

Mr Grinsted is looking for businesses interested in sponsoring the event.

For sponsorships, email heroes@thankourheroes.uk, and to donate visit thankourheroes.uk.