Mike Hawker serves desserts Picture Ref: 77192-11ELDERLY folk enjoyed a hot meal and a chat with friends at the new Penhill Luncheon Club.

Pensioners were upset when the club was forced to fold last month.

After 40 years loyal service, organiser Margaret Norton, 80, cooked her last meal, and there was no one to carry on.

But retired chef Mike Hawker and his wife Diana, of Winsley Close, Penhill, have revived the club. They cooked for 17 pensioners, yesterday.

On the menu at the John Moulton Hall was steak pie followed by jelly and cream, plus a game of bingo.

Mike, a 62-year-old former industrial caterer, restarted the club with a £2,000 grant from Age Concern.

"I was concerned when I heard the club was closing because for many elderly it was a really important opportunity to get out of the house and socialise," he said.

"A lot of the people who come here live alone, and need some company.

"I'm really pleased with the turnout, everyone said they enjoyed it."

"The meal was wonderful, and I love coming here for the company," said grandmother Jean Rootes, 73.

"I also won two prizes on the bingo, so I am delighted." Doris Saunders, 86, was upset when the club shut.

"I've been coming here for 10 years and really look forward to it. I have lost my husband, and like the social side."

Mabel Hutton, an 89-year-old great grandmother, can't wait for the next one. It's a really nice day out for me," she said, tucking into her pudding.

"The food's good and the people are so friendly. It would have been such a shame if had shut for good."

The club meets every Wednesday, 10am to 2pm.