MEALS on wheels is under threat in South Ribble as there is a shortage of volunteers needed to transport and serve up the hot dinners.

The catering service has been going strong for more than 25 years and delivers a hot meal directly to the doorstep of many elderly and disabled people who are unable to cook.

The service is run through the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and operates four days a week throughout the borough. It makes two runs and serves the dinners to more than 50 residents each day.

Now volunteers are needed as many of the existing ones are taking a back seat due to age or ill health.

Joan Harrison, 68, of Ulnes Walton Lane, Leyland said: "I've been doing this for nearly 15 years and it's a very valuable service, but many of the volunteers are having to give it up.

"We desperately need drivers or assistants to help out."

The dinners were originally collected from the canteen at Leyland Trucks, and were plated meals, but they are now provided in foil containers and are heated up at the King Street Day Centre.

Stanley Robins, 81, lives in sheltered accommodation at Bannister Brook House and suffers with osteo-arthritis and cancer. He said: "I find it difficult to stand in the kitchen for long periods so my doctor suggested I use meals on wheels.

"They are fantastic and I look forward to them. The women who do it are often elderly, but always cheerful and are out in all weathers.

"If they don't get younger people to do it then it'll come to a stop. People who are bed ridden rely on this. I think they'd fade away if they didn't get their dinners."

Joan said: "We have a van for those without a car and some of our helpers don't drive but they assist with the delivery. Any help would be very much appreciated."

To volunteer call Joan on 01772 434575.