A CHARITY that delivers hot meals to people in Craven has moved swiftly to reassure families after the country was put into a third coronavirus lockdown.

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, which has an office in Skipton, is continuing to deliver dozens of hot meals daily to people across the region, as well as offering telephone befriending to anyone feeling isolated or lonely.

Bridget Moore became a community champion delivering lunches after she realised the impact the pandemic was having on neighbours in South Craven. Bridget, 55, is now is a familiar face delivering hot meals to doors in Carleton. Her nephew , Ben Hall, 20, also delivers hot meals, and Bridget’s dad, Gerry Hampson, 85, who lives in Skipton, is one of those who they deliver to.

“I am conscious of the issues older people have around social contact and isolation, particularly during the pandemic, and wanted to be able to support Age UK in delivering their service,” she said.

“What I enjoy most about volunteering is meeting some of the customers and on some occasions having a little chat with them. For some of them, I may be the only person they see in the day, and get some satisfaction that I have - maybe - brightened someone’s day.

“There are so many people who are restricted to being in their homes, with very limited contact to the outside world. Some of the customers may not have the capacity to shop, prepare and cook a healthy meal, so this service is vital to ensure the elderly in our community have the opportunity to have access to a balanced diet.”

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is looking for more volunteers to help expand its meals service and help with telephone befriending.

Hot meals are available by ringing 01756 529654 and cost £6.50 for a hot freshly cooked two course meal. For further information about volunteering telephone 01325 362832 or 07483 058837