Wild venison from deer on a country estate has been donated to help feed struggling Norfolk families during the cost of living crisis.

The historic Raveningham Estate, near Loddon, has delivered surplus game from its deer management programme to the Country Food Trust.

And although it is a meat that many might expect to see in pricey restaurant dishes, it will be used to help feed families with financial difficulties.

The trust provides free high-protein meals to people in need, including dishes such as venison bolognese and pheasant casserole, supplied in packs with a one-year shelf life.

And the donated meals were distributed to the 17 food hubs in the Norfolk Community Foundation's "Nourishing Norfolk" initiative.

The project aims to alleviate food poverty and "ensure that no-one in Norfolk goes hungry". It currently supports 16,000 people across the county, and estimates that number will grow to 25,000 by this summer.

Victoria Lewis, Nourishing Norfolk’s supply and logistics manager, said: "We are proud to work with the Country Food Trust who are dedicated to helping people in need.

"It is heartening to see businesses like Raveningham Estate support these efforts and making a real difference in their local communities.

"Collaborating like this means we can better support those most affected by the cost of living crisis."

Sir Nicholas Bacon, owner of Raveningham Estate, said: "We are delighted to support the Country Food Trust in their mission to tackle food poverty in the UK.

"We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, high-quality food, and we are proud to be able to contribute to this important cause.

"We hope that our donation will help to make a positive difference in the lives of those who are most in need."

The Country Food Trust's chief executive, SJ Hunt, also thanked Raveningham Estate for the donation, which "will make a real difference in the lives of those we serve".