Jane Dodds MS is supporting a new initiative aimed to support the people of Hay-on-Wye and combat the cost-of-living crisis.

The Senedd member for Mid and Wet Wales is part of a group who are now offering a free hot meal with good company every Thursday.

The scheme will see people given the chance to eat-in or takeaway the hot meal - with those who choose to eat-in being accompanied by volunteers who will chat to them to combat loneliness.

Jane Dodds MS said: “Well I guess a few of us were aware of the cost-of-living crisis and people will be thinking about how they can spend their money on food and fuel, so people in our church group thought we could offer our kitchen.

“With the dark nights coming now, it’s a hard time for people, so it was just the impetus to get something like this started.

“We don’t know how many people we are expecting to attend it will be hit and miss, if we can feed one person it’s worth it - so we will be there no matter how many people attend - whether it’s one or 20.”

The plan is to organise a different substantial hot meal each week to offer people who may benefit from the service some variety.

They are now also looking for donations from the public to help with the project.

Jane Dodds MS said: “It’s open for anyone that can help and donate, and it’s really important because even if we get one person attending, we need to help them.”

The event takes place at Bethesda Church in Hay-on-Wye, every Thursday from this week, and is free for anyone to attend with no booking required.

If you wish to donate you can contact Jane Dodds MS on 07758 318772.