AN under threat community service that provides hot meals to elderly and housebound South Lakes residents has been saved thanks to a family run bakery.

A Meals on Wheels service that is run out of Abbey House at Staveley was set up 40 years ago by Clare Brockbank.

Staff members cooked the fresh meals and a group of more than 20 volunteers would deliver the meals to clients three days a week.

However, volunteer co-ordinator Dorothy Mackereth received a letter on November 14 telling her that the home would no longer be able to provide cooked meals after November 17.

Following discussions with the care home, Mrs Mackereth said it was agreed the service would continue until the end of January.

"The important thing was those people we serve were getting a hot meal rather than a frozen one," said Mrs Mackereth.

"We are a close knit community in Staveley and it is the fact we go in and would chat with them and make sure they were alright as well and do errands."

She explained that it had been a 'worrying time' for the elderly clients and volunteers as both desperately wanted the service to continue.

Fortunately, Mrs Mackereth was able to secure the help of Burneside Bakery to ensure that the nine clients would still get their hot meals.

"It has been a very difficult few months, but all concerned are delighted the service has been able to continue," Mrs Mackereth said.

John Seward, owner of the bakery, explained that it already offered a delivery service five days a week.

"The thing is it's not so much the food," he said. "I think most of the job is just a cheery face and a quick chat about the weather and things that are going on. Sometimes we're the only person they get to see."

He added that he was 'really glad' that the bakery was able to put something back into the community by taking on the service.

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said: “Staffing capacity issues at Abbey House mean that the home is no longer able to provide the meals that have been used by the volunteer-led community meals service. Funded by the County Council, Cumbria CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) has supported volunteers to find an alternative provider, Burneside Bakery, and to put new arrangements in place to ensure that people continue to receive a good community meal service."

The February minutes of Staveley with Ings Parish Council show that concern had been expressed for the future of the Abbey House care home and it was decided to contact Cllr Peter Thornton on behalf of Cumbria Social care to discuss the future of the home.

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said: “There are no current plans to close Abbey House care home, and the home remains open to new admissions.”