A Sri Lankan restaurant group celebrated this leap year by delivering 29 meals to maternity units across the UK, including one in Oxford.

The deliveries made by The Coconut Tree were in honour of 'leaplings' - those born on February 29 - and to celebrate the hospital teams helping to bring them into the world.

One of the co-founders of The Coconut Tree has a particular affinity for 'leaplings', as his mother was born on the date.

Oxford Mail: The delivery to the John Radcliffe maternity wardThe delivery to the John Radcliffe maternity ward (Image: The Coconut Tree)

The delivered meals included the group's signature small plates including Kotthus to Sambols.

The hospitals that received these meals included Oxford's John Radcliffe maternity ward, Southmead Hospital, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with 232 meals handed out in total.

Rashintha Rodrigo, operations director and co-founder, said: "My mother is a leapling, having only technically had 15 birthdays, and our roots are so important to us at The Coconut Tree.

Oxford Mail: Staff at the John Radcliffe maternity ward receiving their deliveryStaff at the John Radcliffe maternity ward receiving their delivery (Image: The Coconut Tree)

"So, we thought what better way to celebrate mum and give back to the community than to offer a little something to the staff working hard this 29th to bring the next generation of leaplings into the world."

The group also offered extra to their restaurant customers.

Those who visited on February 29 were offered a bonus dish, compliments of the chef, allowing them to try something new at no extra cost.