A FOOD manufacturer is "giving back" to the community by helping the homeless.

Leigh-based company Romix Foods, which was set up in in 2014 by Dan Ross and Mick McGowan regularly gives leftover cakes to homeless charities.

The business makes dry powder ingredients for large bakeries

Mick said: “It’s really important to give back and although we don’t make sellable baked goods, we do need to test bake our product.

"This results in us having products that would only go in the bin, so we wanted to find an alternative option as that would otherwise be a huge waste."

Following the sale of Dan's business Victoria Foods to a business in Leeds, the pair from the same premises, they formed Romix Foods.

This year they have signed up to Wigan Council's Deal for Business.

The business has been awarded a £10,000 loan by the local authority's Business Booster fund to buy machinery.

This has helped the company to launch a new product which is now sold directly to customers in shops such as Home Bargains and other supermarkets.

Wigan Council leader Cllr David Molyneux said: “We love to support local businesses so they can grow and help our economy thrive.

"The Deal for Business allows us to engage with companies that need our help but also gives business owners the opportunity to engage with the community and give something back to local people.

“Romix Foods have done an impeccable job from donating cakes to homeless charities to supporting the borough’s young people and I look forward to hearing about what else they may do in the future.

“Dan and Mick have been innovative in their approach, meaning that a sad situation four years ago leading to an empty unit and the loss of jobs has been reversed and something much more sustainable has been created.

"I wish them well on their new journey and hope their partnership with the council is long and prosperous.”

The business is also keen on developing young people's skills by encouraging their apprentices and graduates to undertake further qualifications, paid for by the company.

More than 35 staff are employed at the business, many of whom were made redundant following the relocation of Victoria Foods.