A new hot meals provider has been found for Thames Christian College after Levi Roots announced the closure of his restaurant next door.

Mr Roots, of Brixton, had been providing hot meals to the school for four years after opening the ‘Dragon’s Den’ restaurant in 2007.

Since announcing that he would be closing the restaurant to develop a high street franchise, the school has been searching for another provider.

Battersea-based social enterprise, Platform 1 Café, who deliver training for people with disabilities, take over today, when a small team of disabled people and staff will prepare their first batch of school dinners.

Stephen Holsgrove, executive head of Thames Christian College, said: "We’re very grateful for everything that Levi has done and were sorry to see him go but we are very excited about working with Platform 1 in the future."

Mr Holsgrove added: "When Platform 1 brought in samples for us to taste they got a big thumbs up from the pupils."

Monica Campbell, project manager of Platform 1 Café, is delighted with the new contract.

She said: "We are really pleased that they chose us. The Platform 1 Café is relatively quiet at the moment and it’s not enough to keep us busy so this is wonderful for us really.

"We are pleased to be able to continue to put business into the local community," said Mr Holsgrove.

The Platform 1 Café is also investing in the local community by buying their food from shops and suppliers in the borough.

Labour councillor for Latchmere ward, Tony Belton, said: "It is a great example of the community working together for mutual help and support."