FANCY having a search and rescue team delivering your evening meal?

Vulnerable residents in Ulverston have experienced exactly that in a unique tie-up between the rescue services, the town’s Self Isolation Group and outside caterers Fox.

The twice-weekly service delivers healthy, nutritious meals direct to the doors of those who are self-isolating, shielding, disabled, elderly, ill or recently bereaved.

The service is maintained by Ulverston’s Self Isolation Group who are in charge of taking orders. The food is then prepared by caterer Andrew Fox at his premises in Bardsea. Delivery of the frozen main courses and puddings is in the capable hands of Bay Search and Rescue and Ulverston Inshore Rescue.

More than 60 meals a week are currently being delivered with demand rising for the likes of chicken and leek pie, roast pork dinner and bread and butter pudding.

An added benefit of the service is the regular contact it offers for those who may be at home alone or do not have family support on hand.

Group co-ordinator Caroline Smith said: “This service has helped all kinds of people who for one reason or another weren’t getting a cooked meal.

"We look after one lady whose daughter is in another part of the UK and obviously can’t visit. She is now reassured that her mum has someone looking in on her and providing a regular warm meal.”

The group has a volunteer register of 350 people. The team also provides shopping, prescription delivery and dog walking services for those unable to leave the house.