HOMELESS people are being given a taste of Army life thanks to two chefs.

Corporal Sam Coote and Lance Corporal Callum McMullan, from Colchester’s Merville Barracks, have been cooking chicken soup, spaghetti bolognese and chocolate sponge and custard at Colchester Night Shelter.

The voluntary project, which has been running for a year, has also seen the chefs re-organise the centre’s kitchen and stock keeping.

Cpl Coote, 24, from Colchester, said: “I look forward to coming down to the night shelter when it’s my turn.

“It’s an easy way to use our skills as chefs to give something back to the community.

“We visit a few days before to agree a menu and then come down and cook. Everyone enjoys the food, it’s a friendly place and everyone helps with the washing up afterwards.”

Night Shelter resident Levi Jones thanked them for their help.

He said: “The Night Shelter has been very important to me.

“I was homeless for 6 weeks and with their help I’m sorting myself out. It’s great having the soldiers come in to cook for us. They’re friendly and the dinners are really nice.”

LCpl McMullan, 23 from Airdree, said: “Day-to-day as an Army chef we’re cooking in the messes on camp and preparing to cook out in the field on exercises, so this gives us a chance to do something different with our skills.

“I really enjoy preparing a home-cooked meal for people who are not as fortunate as I am.

“The residents really appreciate our cooking and it’s good to know you’re helping people.”

Alastair Leighton, Colchester Night Shelter resettlement and welfare worker, praised the chefs for giving up their time.

He said: “The feedback from our residents is very positive - the soldiers’ cooking is really good and they get on really well with everyone.

“But it’s not just cooking, the soldiers have really helped make our kitchen more professional by advising us with stock keeping, menu planning and chemical storage.”

Watch the boys at work in the video, made by Cpl Andy Reddy, Crown Copyright.