Fawley (26 June 2008) -- Meal preparation at a Southampton centre for disabled people and carers is going to be easier thanks to a donation of £1,000 by Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley Refinery. The money was used to buy a catering bench potato peeler for use in the busy kitchens at the centre.

Based in Netley Abbey, Southampton, Vitalise Netley Waterside House provides essential breaks for disabled people and carers. They aim to provide accessible, affordable breaks and other services to those who are in need of them.

James Aitken, Centre manager, said: "We are grateful to the refinery for enabling us to buy this piece of equipment. It will help our hard-working chefs to prepare the many nutritious meals they serve to our visitors on a daily basis."

Carol Dunford, of ExxonMobil Community Affairs, said: "I am very impressed with the facilities offered by Vitalise at their Netley Abbey Centre and delighted to be able to help them supplement their kitchen equipment in this way."