THE Salvation Army is bringing the people of Port Glasgow together for friendship and food.

Captain Ian Arthur and his team have kept their 'meet and eat' mornings going during the most testing of times amid the pandemic.

They first started 40 years ago and have become a fixture in the town centre over the years.

Now as Capt Arthur and colleague look to the year ahead with coronavirus restrictions eased at last, they intend to find new ways to stay right at the heart of the community.

Volunteer Myra Anderson, 85, said: "I am so glad the hall is back open after the Christmas and new year break.

"It is about only thing I get out of the house for now, coming here and going shopping.

"It is like that for a lot of people now after the pandemic.

"I really look forward to seeing everyone and helping out.

"I have been coming here since the start, I was brought up in the Salvation Army."

Ian says the weekly coffee mornings play a vital part in making sure that people are not cut off from the community.

He said: "It is really great to see everyone at out 'meet and eat' mornings.

"We have people that come along every week and everyone is welcome.

"The meet and eat is very important to us, it has been going for 40 years."

"We will take stock this year and see what else we can do to help people.

"There is a lot of need out there."

The drop-in takes place every Thursday from 10am until noon in the King Street hall.

Tea, coffee and cakes are served and there is a chance to browse a bric-a-brac stall for bargains, with the money going towards funds.