The Leicester Tigers Development Squad put their culinary skills to the test by delivering dinner for Leicester’s The Bridge - Homelessness To Hope charity.

Joe Maksymiw, George Worth and Ben White were among the fourteen-man squad who have taken on a four-week cookery course to improve “teamwork and self organisation”.

It has also opened their eyes to the harsh conditions and struggles many face each day.

On the menu for people who might not have eaten on the night if not for the important work being done at the Leicester-based charity was a Tigers chilli, a vegetarian lasagne and a sweet treat to follow.

Dave Bassett, Tigers rugby operations coordinator, who has overseen the project, said: "It is brilliant to be involved with a local charity who are doing such valuable work for those less fortunate than ourselves.

“For our development squad players this has been a great project for teamwork and self-organisation. It is also eye-opening and grounding for them to hear some of the life stories and interact with the people the charity supports so well."

Joe Maksymiw, who made his senior debut earlier this season and has worked at The Bridge in the past, spoke of the experience and the benefits for the players and those in need of support.

“We’re hear as a group to give back to the community as we recognise we’re in a fortunate position," he said. "It gives the boys experience of cooking on a large scale after partaking in the cookery course.

“The players came together to, not only take part, but also funded the project and all of tonight’s food collectively.

“It has been a great experience working together as the mighty red machine, which is what we’ve dubbed ourselves after weeks of working in the kitchen, and being able to provide support and food to members of the public in need.”