GLOWING tributes have been paid to the local volunteers who have helped to run the county council's 'Meals on Wheels' service.

Members of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service from Crewe and Nantwich attended a special 'thank you' reception, this month, as the service prepares to go private.

County council chairman David Newton was one of the first to offer his appreciation saying: "I cannot praise too highly the commitment shown by supporters of the WRVS whose unstinting work has served as a vital part of everyday life for so many people in Cheshire for more than 30 years."

Over the last 12 months, Social Services have dealt with over 17,600 referrals involving older people and in an average four week period supplied nearly 2,000 people with meals at home.