A COMMUNITY meals on wheels group which helps dozens of elderly people has been given charity status.

Bedale Community Meals on Wheels, based at the town’s Chantry Hall, cooks and delivers two-course meals three times a week to elderly and disabled people in the town and surrounding villages.

The idea behind the scheme is to help people live independently in their own homes.

The service was started by Diane Hosking in September 2015 and is run by a team of volunteers.

The group is now preparing to host a special Christmas lunch on December 1 at the hall when transport will be provided.

They are appealing for volunteers to help cook and assist in the kitchen as well as delivering meals.

Mrs Hosking said: "It exists to help those in Bedale and the surrounding area who are elderly or homebound to maintain their independence and dignity by delivering cost-effective, nutritional meals through caring volunteers."

Anyone who can give up a few hours of their time each week to help others should contact Diane Hosking via email at bedalemeals@gmail.com or by telephone on 01677-470232.