THE borough's busy "Meals on Wheels" service is hoping to dish up even more food this year, with the help of some fresh recruits.

The WRVS, which already delivers more than 65,000 meals annually to households throughout the area, is desperately looking to attract more volunteers.

At present, there is a dedicated band of 30 people who help distribute cooked meals to the elderly, housebound and others.

And if more volunteers come forward, then the WRVS's "Meals on Wheels" staff will be able to fulfil their aim of providing the service seven days a week.

Mrs Michelle Holt, the "Meals on Wheels" manager for the borough, said: "The WRVS first started this service in the 1950s.

"In 1999, we delivered 65,011 meals throughout the borough. Next year, we hope to increase this: we are working on providing every area with a seven day week service."

She added: "In order to do this, we desperately need to recruit new volunteers of all ages.

"When people hear of meals on wheels, they think of 'old people', but this is not the case.

"We do have members who are more than 75, but we also have professional people who volunteer at weekends, young mums with children at school, and even students.

"I am the manager for the borough and I'm only 30," Mrs Holt disclosed.

Anyone interested in helping out and becoming a volunteer should ring the WRVS, based at Knowsley Street, Bury, on (0161) 253 6000.

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