A CAFE dedicated to serving the local community has been awarded the Wainwright Achievement Award for its 'support' and 'inspiration'.

The Kendal People's Cafe, which was founded two years ago by Helen Pateman, has prepared more than 5,000 meals for the community since its launch.

The charity venture's objective was to reduce the amount of food which was going to waste from local businesses such as Booths, Tesco and Morrisons and redistributing it to those who need it such as Manna House and Town View Hostel. The cafe also provides weekly meals on a pay as you can basis to anyone in Kendal and across the South Lakes.

According to the administrators of the trust the annual award is presented to an individual or group who has done a lot during the year to 'promote the prestige of Kendal,' or has contributed significantly to 'to the betterment of its inhabitants'.

Helen said it was fantastic for the team to be recognised for its hard work by receiving this award.

"This award has given the rest of the team a great boost for all the hard work they do," she said. "It has given us a sense of belonging within the South Lakes community."

Councillor Adam Edwards, who nominated the cafe, said that the cafe had been working hard all year to support local residents.

"The People's Cafe have been working hard to support people throughout the year with their waste foods policy.

"Not only that but they supported families though the summer holidays by providing free meals and food collections. Following this they supported the Sandylands Residents Association in creating a pop-up store that now offers free foods under the same waste foods policies."

Helen added that the award would hopefully help get the cafe 'out there' into the spotlight.

"It's important we get the message out there about what we do," she said "as there may be a lot of people out there who don't know what we need and they may need our help. Also if anyone wanted to volunteer they could."

VOLUNTEER. QUOTE.