Residents at Mill Gardens in Kirkby Stephen have raised £500 for Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team by eating their way to success.

Kirkby Stephen residents Eunice Trusler and Joyce Fothergill have volunteered and dedicated their Wednesdays to making a lunch for residents at Mill Gardens.

This has not only provided residents with a nutritional meal, but it has also given them an opportunity to socialise with their friends and neighbours.

The residents pay a small fee for the two-course meal and decided any money left over would be donated to a local charity.

This week, residents handed over a cheque for £500 to Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, the first local charity to benefit from the lunch club donations.

Speaking on behalf of Mill Garden’s Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, Pearl Bibby said a huge thank you to Eunice and Joyce and presented them with some flowers to show their appreciation.

Debi Wilkinson extra care co-ordinator said: “We really can’t thank Eunice and Joyce enough for giving up their time and energy to make our tenants a lovely meal and making them feel part of their community.

“After all the isolation we endured during lockdown, it truly is great to hear the sound of busy chatter and laughter coming from the dining room and echoing throughout our scheme. All this and to be able to give something back to our community is just the icing on the cake.”

Receiving the cheque on behalf of Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, Martin Budgett and Arthur Littlefair said: “We are delighted and very grateful to receive this donation for £500 as the Mountain Rescue service is run purely on donations.”