The cost of living crisis has prompted a Chippenham church to lay on a weekly free lunch.

Sheldon Road Methodist Church is offering the lunches every Saturday through the summer.

Its first was last Saturday (23rd), and it is planning to keep the service going at least until September 3.

Volunteers at the church in Audley Road offer a two-course meal with tea or coffee between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are on offer, with the scheme funded by church members and grants.

Organisers hope to make the service a permanent fixture, and are talking to other churches and local charities about ways of co-operating.

The first lunch served up 23 meals – mostly shepherds pie.

Chris Beckett from the church’s leadership team said people really appreciated the free food.

“One person who came lives on their own and really enjoyed the fellowship – just sitting at a table and talking to other people.”

He said their ‘fervent’ hope was to keep the project going beyond the summer.

“We recognise that the current economic situation is not going to improve in the foreseeable future, there is the prospect of double figure inflation, rising food prices and potential huge increases in fuel prices in October.

“We really want to continue it. Things are not going to get better soon, and it’s really going to affect some people.”

The food is cooked on the premises, and the church members will plan for numbers based on the previous week’s attendance.

Chris said he wasn’t aware of any other service like it in the town.

“We believe that part of our purpose is to serve people,” he said.

Anyone can simply turn up to enjoy a meal on the day.

The church would also be interested in hearing from people willing to help with the project.

To help, email admin@sheldonroad.church