THE ‘breakfast ladies’ are cooking for Mayfair, to raise funds for the community centre in Church Stretton, until the end of February.

So, this Saturday is the last chance for the time being.

Their volunteer team cook, wait on and wash up for eight weeks and they have done this for the past few years.

All profits are donated to Mayfair, as well as providing a hot breakfast for anyone on a Saturday morning.

“They are an amazing group of dedicated volunteers, and last year, they raised over £1,000 for Mayfair, which is fantastic,” said Sophie Eades, co-ordinator at the Community Centre.

“Last year, their donation enabled us to purchase a new commercial display fridge and a new commercial toaster.”

Mayfair’s cafe is usually open Monday - Friday and provides a range of meals including a daily roast, for under £6. using fresh local ingredients where possible, our aim is to be able to provide food to the whole community, on an affordable basis.

Mayfair also provides a hot meal delivery service, 365 days a year - where meals are delivered out into the community for those unable to cook for themselves.

The meals are delivered by volunteer group, Good Neighbours.

It is a vital service for people who are often largely confined to their homes and unable to get out.

The meals play an important part in enabling people to stay warm and healthy. Volunteers who deliver the meals are also able to keep an eye on people who receive the meals who may be vulnerable.

It is work that plays a part in enabling people to continue to live independent lives in their own homes.

If this were not possible some of the people might have to consider moving into a care home.

Volunteer work of this kind cooking and delivering meals is likely to become increasingly important in the future because of the ageing population.

In 20 years it is estimated that one in four people in the UK will be aged 65 years or over. Former Cabinet Minister Damian Green is looking at issues around an ageing population.