Kitchen staff at High Royds Hospital in Menston have received praise for the culinary delights they produce for Aireborough Meals on Wheels.

Christine Law-Green, Project Leader for the Aireborough branch of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, which provides home delivered meals for the elderly, paid thanks to kitchen staff who have provided meals since 1968.

The praise comes in time for National Meals on Wheels week, which runs from Monday, November 12 to Friday, November 16.

Mrs Law-Green expressed her thanks to all volunteers who have kept the

service running over the past year, and gave special thanks to the High Royds Kitchen Staff.

She said: "The staff prepare meals four days a week and even on Christmas Day and they cater for all sorts of diets, including vegetarians and diabetics and they try to accommodate people who don't like certain foods.

"The staff are unfailingly helpful and pleasant and always happy to help.

"We all know the High Royds hospital is closing and the staff shall be greatly missed, but that won't be for a while yet."

The hospital kitchens have provided meals for the elderly in Aireborough since the late 1960's and Mrs Law-Green is keen to pass on her thanks to the staff before the hospital is relocated.

She said: "It is a shame that the kitchen won't be able to provide the meals anymore, and I know the old folk have been very pleased with the food they have received.

"The hospital is unique in a way because most WRVS Meals on Wheels don't get their food from the hospitals, it is specially prepared, but the food the elderly receive is lovely."

Steve Walker, Production Officer for Leeds Community and Mental Health Services Teaching Trust, who works in the kitchens, said: "The whole team here at High Royds has really enjoyed being part of the community and helping local people.

"We take a lot of pride in our work and we're pleased that people appreciate what we have been doing.

"We wish the volunteers all the best in the future."

Mrs Law-Green, from Rawdon, is appealing for anyone interested in helping with the Meals on Wheels service in Aireborough to contact her on 0113 2503801.