CREWE'S Town Mayor has highlighted the sterling work of town charities providing hot meals for those in need during the second lockdown.

Cllr Benn Minshall says the efforts of charities such as Wishing Well and Hopes and Beams demonstrates the community spirit and compassion shown by people in Crewe when the chips are down.

Hopes and Beams, based in Broad Street, have been cooking and delivering to the housebound and those in high-risk groups that have been shielding since March.

Since the second national lockdown started on November 5 the charity has widened its services to include anyone who may be self-isolating or feeling vulnerable.

"We are seeing compassion and generosity. When Crewe needs to come together it comes together like nowhere else and that compassion is very apparent at the moment," said Cllr Minshall.

"The team at Wishing Well has continued to deliver hot meals right from March - they are still doing that and they are continually changing and adapting their service to adapt to the needs of everyone who benefits from it.

"Chance Changing Lives has continued doing its work with the most vulnerable in society and they have been doing that since March. With the effects of the virus and the rise in unemployment, that is its client base, and they are finding new ways of meeting those challenges.

"We have Hopes and Beams and the team there who are continuing to deliver hot meals. We've got the churches, like St. Andrew's and St. Peter's who have been doing Holiday Hunger'. they gave out over 120 meals a day to vulnerable families during the half-term.

"This is the work of our volunteers and they are keeping our community together."

Hopes and Beams' meals service operates from Monday to Friday (12 noon to 2pm) throughout Crewe, Wistaston, Haslington and Shavington, as well as some areas of Sandbach and Willaston.

Two-course meals cost £6 and proceeds cover ingredients and also got to the charity's work with young persons with disabilities and older people.

If you or any loved ones are self-isolating you can contact Hopes and Beams on 01270 255355