A SPECIAL group will be launched this Friday at Benarty Community Centre geared to creating the opportunity for people to enjoy a spot of lunch and companionship.

The Friendship and Food Club will open at the Centre at 11am on Friday and it will run weekly until 2pm.

Councillor Lea McLelland told the Times: "The initiative is about giving people the chance to have a bite to eat and the opportunity to meet people and have a blether."

Lea added: "The idea will hopefully give people the opportunity to start new friendships and re-ignite old ones and at the same time enjoy some food.

"The idea is to have a cup of tea and coffee at 11am with a slice of toast, and at 12.30pm a plate of soup."

Councillor Mary Lockhart will join Lea at the event and both will be available to offer advice on anything that people might be concerned about and Kevin Payne, from Benarty Events Group, will also call in to offer people assistance with what will be going on in the community.

Added Lea: "We are very grateful to Carmen Webster, who runs the cafe at the Centre, for use of the facilities and transport can be provided, if someone needs it, to get to the Centre."

If you need transport call Lea on 07596727308.