A CHEF ditched his restaurant kitchen for a pirate ship's galley to celebrate a much-loved radio presenter's birthday.

Former pirate station Radio Caroline's presenters and crew on board the iconic Ross Revenge were dished up a special meal last week for presenter Dave Foster's 62nd birthday.

The Radio Caroline team eat in the Bradwell Marina Bar and Restaurant on evenings before going out for their monthly two-day live broadcast.

So when the restaurant's chef John Grima heard it was Dave’s birthday he offered to go out to the ship and prepare a special dinner for everyone.

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John said: “When I heard it was Dave’s birthday at the weekend I thought preparing a celebratory meal on board, during a live broadcast, would be a nice thing to do.”

Restaurant staff Sian Renew and Jane Clatt volunteered to act as waitresses for the evening.

John added: “The Caroline presenters were very appreciative and we thoroughly enjoyed our time on board with them.”

Dave said: “We always have an excellent meal at Bradwell Marina Bar before we set off for Ross Revenge, and it was very kind of John, Sian and Jane to come out and make my birthday such a special occasion.

“The beef stew and dumplings was, as always, absolutely delicious and we very much enjoyed their company.”

Radio Caroline broadcasts 24 hours a day, everyday, from land-based studios and one weekend each month from Ross Revenge which is moored on the River Blackwater.