A CHARITY for older people is launching three new community lunch clubs to help combat social isolation and loneliness.

Age UK County Durham has established the monthly events in Bowburn, Coxhoe and Kelloe to provide affordable and freshly cooked hot meals with good company.

The charity has been supported with funding for the projects from East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership.

Bowburn Community Centre’s lunch club is on the second Thursday of the month with a two-course meal delivered by Seventeen Bistro costing £5.

The event at Coxhoe Village Hall is on the last Thursday of the month which is supported by the local Coxhoe Coop and also costs £5.

David Blades, manager of Coxhoe Co-op, said “We are delighted to be able to support this important social lunch club.

“We hope that our elderly customers, especially those who live on their own will enjoy good food and company at the Village Hall.”

Kelloe Primary School hosts a lunch club on the last Tuesday of the month in their Community Room with a sing-a-long every other month. The cost is £3.

A spokesman for the charity: “Age UK County Durham has been pleased to have personal support from local councillors Maura McKeon, Stuart Dunn and Jan Blakey.”

For more information and to book a place please contact Age UK County Durham on 0191-374-6577.