A new cooker, which will allow a ‘lifeline’ charity to continue its popular lunch club, was installed this week, thanks to donations from the community.

Sidmouth Herald: Cooking up a donation-Cllr Stuart Hughes is pictured with some of the team at Twyford House after he made a donation of £1,000 from his Locality Budget towards the cost of their new cooker. Ref shs 16-16SH 1428. Picture: Simon HornCooking up a donation-Cllr Stuart Hughes is pictured with some of the team at Twyford House after he made a donation of £1,000 from his Locality Budget towards the cost of their new cooker. Ref shs 16-16SH 1428. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Voluntary Services (SVS), which cooks more than 8,000 meals a year for elderly, vulnerable and disabled people, was left with a huge bill to replace the cause’s old appliance when it came towards the end of its life.

But thanks to a number of residents, charities, clubs and county councillor Stuart Hughes, the organisation has managed to raise £4,000 to purchase a new one - and another £1,000 for its installation.

SVS chairman Philip Deegan said: “The new cooker looks very nice and works very well.

“For some of the people who come to the lunch club, it is their only properly cooked meal of the day.

“They also enjoy coming in as it’s a social thing, too.”