A HANDFUL of offenders dished up some lipsmacking cheer for Prestwich residents when they helped to launch a new luncheon club.

They acted as cooks and waiters to serve up hot meals to residents over the age of 50 at the Phoenix Centre in St Mary's Park.

The project also aims to cater for disadvantaged and disabled people who would not otherwise have a hot lunch.

The club is to run every Friday, with organisers laying on an afternoon of varied entertainment, from bingo sessions to tea dances.

The scheme is fully supervised by staff from the Community Service unit, based in Heywood, using the skills of offenders undertaking community service orders.

The club doors will open at noon every Friday, with a hot lunch served at 1pm. The meal includes a pudding and costs just £2.