A Bedale community centre which provides companionship for older and vulnerable people is going from strength to strength following a successful re-launch.
The Dales Centre provides a place for people to meet and have lunch together two days a week.
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak MP visited the centre in Wycar to meet clients, staff and the volunteers who provide the service.
He said: “This is a great service for the older people of Bedale and the surrounding villages, many of whom may be living on their own, combatting loneliness and providing an excellent nutritious lunch.
“The staff and band of volunteers do a great job and it is clearly appreciated by the clients.”
The centre, formerly known as Dales Care, was closed for 16 months after its previous role as a day car centre proved unsustainable. It re-opened at the end of the last year,having undergone a complete refurbishment and now provides traditional two-course lunches and companionship for more than 25 older people on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Charles Ropner, chair of trustees, said the centre was now run on a sustainable footing with two staff – co-ordinator Alison Marr and cook Mary Exelby - and a group of about 15 volunteers.
He said: "We are very pleased with how the centre is now running and the support we have had from the local community. We still have some capacity to cater for more clients and we look forward to welcoming them to our centre."
A variety of rooms at the Dales Centre, along with the fully equipped kitchen, are available for hire. Older people interested in attending the centre should contact 01677 425806 or call in at the centre on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 10am-2pm