FOOD provider charity Mary's Meals is hosting a virtual Christmas dinner raising funds to feed hungry children around the world.

It comes after they revealed that South East England’s favourite Christmas side dish is not the Brussels sprout, with roast potatoes claiming victory with almost a third of the vote.

Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin has shared his support of the Brussels sprout.

He said: “Brussels sprouts are really versatile, they can be braised, fried, boiled or roasted. I always add bacon and chestnuts or turkey jus for extra flavour.

“As well as being the season for sprouts, this is the season for sharing. I’ve set my place at Mary’s Meals’ virtual Christmas dinner and I hope people in the South East will too.”

Mary’s Meals feeds more than 1.5 million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest countries, including Malawi, India and Haiti.

Daniel Adams, UK Executive Director of Mary’s Meals, said: “Our virtual Christmas dinner brings together people from around the globe who believe that every child deserves an education and enough to eat.

“Thanks to the kindness of those who set a place, we can continue to reach children living in some of the world’s poorest countries with our life-changing school meals. I can’t think of a better gift to give or receive this Christmas.”

For £13.90, a child can be fed every day for a school year, and supporters can set a place at Mary’s Meals’ virtual Christmas dinner table for their friends and family.

Their name will appear online and they will receive a digital placemat to pass on as a gift.

To find out more, visit marysmeals.org.uk/Christmas.