A NEW volunteer-run lunch club is to open its doors later this month.

The weekly Cuddy’s Lunch Club is being set up for elderly, isolated or lonely people from the Chester-le-Street area.

Helpers will serve the club’s first meals on Wednesday, February 27 in St Cuthbert’s coffee shop in Ropery Lane. The club will then meet every Wednesday in the same venue from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

The lunch club has been set up by parishioners of St Cuthbert’s and the Parish and Community Enablement project run by North-East charity St Cuthbert’s Care.

Parish priest, Father John Reid said: "Our volunteers will be waiting with a warm welcome for everyone who comes along to the lunch club and I know they are planning a delicious home-cooked meal and some fun and engaging activities.

"Having the chance to enjoy a pleasant, weekly outing, some company and the chance to make new friends is going to make an incredible difference to the quality of life for many local people."

He added: "Many of those who will be coming along have spent a great deal of time alone and this new meeting place, in the heart of their own community, is easy to get to and an ideal place for them to make new, lasting friendships."

Cuddy’s Lunch Club costs £2.50 per person with no charge for carers who accompany guests.

Anyone interested in coming along or volunteering at Cuddy’s Lunch Club is asked to ring Joan Davidson on 0191-388 5588.