An inspirational community project in Ipswich which is saving thousands of kilos of edible food from going to landfill has picked up national recognition after being featured on BBC Radio 4’s Midweek programme on Wednesday.

Teapot Project founder Mischa Pearson was invited by presenter Libby Purves who was inspired by Miss Pearson’s story following a broadcast on BBC Radio Suffolk.

Soon contact with the community interest company’s co-founder was set up and a broadcast date arranged.

“It certainly took a while to sink in,” Miss Pearson said. “The show is huge and when they made contact I had my head in my studies trying to catchup -I study Climate Change with Exeter University.

“By the time I had realised what show it was and with whom, I’d already agreed to move my schedule and the hotel booking was in my inbox!”

The show was broadcast on Wednesday where Miss Pearson spoke about her difficult teenage years which included homelessness and drug addiction, and the work of the Teapot Project in Ipswich, which intercepts food that cannot be sold but can still be eaten, and distributes it to families and organisations to provide meals.

Joining her on the show were veteran actor Sir Patrick Stewart, doctor and television presenter Dr Oscar Duke and comedian and writer Shappi Khorsandi.

“Libby was inspirational. A formidable women. Shappi was hilarious, Oscar was again hugely inspirational with his work in Africa and well Patrick Stewart was everything you’d expect; charming and an absolute pleasure to chat to,” she said.

“Patrick was very interested in how it worked and Libby referred to me as a phoenix rising through the ashes. They had such wonderful comments about the project and Libby left me on the corner of Great Portland St with an offer of helping us in any way she feels she can in the future.”

The broadcast has already proved a success, with KFC’s head office getting in touch with her before she had even left London to discuss working together.

The mum-of-one added: “It was a truly great experience and I hope it continues to drive forward the work that we do. From a personal point of view, it was an honour to be recognised for the work myself and the team have put in.”

To listen to the broadcast visit the BBC’s iPlayer radio page here.