A PREPARED meals business is expanding after a successful year - despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Charlie Bigham's has created 20 new roles at Quarry Kitchen in Dulcote.

Sales at the business grew by 20 per cent last year, with Bigham's delivering to more than 1,500 Mendip residents during the first national lockdown.

They also delivered meals to Somerset hospitals, facilities to help vulnerable people, key workers and to care homes.

Lauri Duncan, Bigham's head of people, said the team worked "extremely hard" last year.

"We have a fantastic team of people at our Quarry Kitchen who have worked extremely hard to support our customers and each other over the last year," she said.

"After another year of double-digit growth, we expect demand for our dishes to increase further.

"As a result, we’re delighted to announce that our Dulcote team is expanding and that we’re recruiting 20 people to join our team in the coming weeks – welcome news for the local community during this uncertain economic climate."

Via Charlie Bigham’s Charitable Foundation, the business contributes to a number of community initiatives including Wells-based mental health charity Heads Up, Wells Carnival and Cheddar Valley Food Bank.

Bigham’s is recruiting for a range of roles including the production positions currently advertised, a well-placed role for candidates seeking a first career step in the food industry.

To find out more visit bighams.com/join-us/