A couple of weeks ago we told you about the new volunteer project, Smethwick in a Stew aimed at providing warm food and good company for people, in conjunction with Smethwick library and the Dorothy Parkes Centre. Well, it is proving highly popular, with over 550 meals already dished up by as many as 12 volunteers, with assistance from Sandwell Leisure Trust.

And on Friday, even local MP John Spellar joined in and donned his pinny to help out!