HEART-RENDING tales of poverty-stricken people have prompted three charities to team up for a new project.

The groups are providing hot soup for those on low incomes three times a week at a Keighley community centre.

Organisers are appealing for help from local people so they can expand the service and reach more families and pensioners in need.

The Welcome Project, Sunflower Allotment Society and Keighley Volunteer Centre recently united to open the cafe three times a week at the Temple Row Centre.

Volunteers make fresh soup on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Welcome Place Cafe.

Shona Grange, from the Welcome Project, said the project was set up in response to reports of people living in poverty in and around Keighley due to low income, lack of job opportunities, food and fuel bills.

She said: “We know some older people who sit in the shopping centre or ride round on buses all day because they can’t afford to heat their homes, and people going without proper food.

“We also have high rates of health-related problems because people don’t have access to fresh healthy food.”

Anyone wishing to support the cafe project should call Mrs Grange on 07412 107921, call at the cafe or visit welcomeproject.org.uk if you would like to provide financial support.