A COMMUNITY organisation providing free meals to those in need is to receive a crucial cash boost.

Barrow Community Kitchen was launched by John Wright and Sharon Foden in November 2015 and helps between 50 and 70 people each week.

Cumbria County Council's Local Committee for Barrow yesterday pledged over £7,000 of its budget to the kitchens.

Walney South councillor Frank Cassidy, who secured £1,837 for the kitchen's new centre on Walney, said: “Hardship can happen to anyone.

“Through no fault of their own some families and individuals are unable to cope and sometimes they have no choice but to ask for assistance from food banks or community kitchens.

“Some have been clobbered by a cruel and baffling benefits system while others are working families who are struggling to survive on zero-hours contracts.

“I am glad to be in a position to be able to help a little bit and if I had a hat I would take it off to the likes of John Wright, Sharon Foden and the scores of others who are trying to make life a bit more tolerable for the poorest people in our communities.”

Using food donated by Morrisons and Tesco, as well as members of the public, the group of volunteers offer free, hot meals to those going through tough times.

Cllr Cassidy's contribution, along with a further £5,525 funding boost from the allowance of Roosecote councillor Helen Wall, will go towards training volunteers, running inclusive groups to tackle social isolation and securing a second-hand minibus to transport people to and from the community kitchens.

They also make hampers for the most desperate and deliver them direct.

Mrs Foden, founder of the kitchens, said: “We would like to thank Frank and Helen for their donations, it will help so many people.”

The funding was approved by the Local Committee meeting on Thursday morning, with the county council using some of their £321,868 budget to spend on community projects in 2016/17.

This figure was boosted by over £7,000 worth of unused funds handed out in previous years.

Other recipients include £2,000 given to Roose Primary School to promote healthy living and outdoor activities by growing fruit and vegetables, while Barrow Island Primary School benefited from a £2,651 donation for a sheltered outdoor area in the school's playground.

The North Scale Bowling Club also received £1,710 for the maintenance of the club on Cows Tarn Lane, Walney.