A RESTAURANT is giving back to the community by feeding the homeless.

The Athena B fish and chip shop in Station Road, Portslade, is making sure people who are homeless or sleeping rough get a hot, fresh, meal free of charge.

The restaurant, which has been serving the Portslade area since 1989, gives meals away to those less fortunate.

Owner Mary Gozman said: “Homeless people can come in and choose anything on the menu.

“They are usually surprised they get a choice.

“They can sit and have a tea or coffee too if there is space.”

Mary, who prides herself on being an orthodox Christian, said she was born to take care of people.

She said: “I’ve travelled a lot, I’ve seen poor, I’ve seen rich.

“But money is nothing. Life is about taking care of people and looking after people.

“It’s from the heart. As long as I live I will continue to feed people.”

Rough sleepers or homeless people can pop it any time of day during opening hours for a fish supper and a cup of tea.

The restaurant encourages them to come in during the quieter period between 3pm and 4pm.”

Mary opened Athena B in the late Eighties.

The 55-year-old has owned it ever since but has only been back at the restaurant for two months, having given out the lease for some years before returning to the business.

She has now brought 26-year-old son Matthew into the fold as he hopes to continue the family run establishment.

Matthew said he was proud of his mother’s generosity.

He said the restaurant wants to help give back to the community that has supported them.

He said: “It’s a family business, I grew up in this chip shop.

“There was a homeless lady who would sit outside the Tesco. She was pregnant and I always used to cook food and take it to her.

“It’s nice to know that people in this community care about helping those less fortunate.”