ELDERLY residents in north Kent were surprised to have their meals-on-wheels delivered by their MP earlier this week.

Gravesham MP Chris Pond took time out from his parliamentary duties to help Age Concern staff celebrate the second annual National Meals-on-Wheels Week.

He joined driver Lesley Williamson on her run on Monday delivering hot and frozen food to nursing homes and elderly people in the area

Gravesend's community meals manager Karen Harris said: "The service we offer is a real lifeline for people who cannot get out and about.

"On Christmas day last year, we delivered close to 100 dinners to people who otherwise would have been on their own.

"Having Mr Pond with us gave him an opportunity to see what goes on and also to see how the clients we serve really benefit from what we do."

Age Concern delivers about 350 hot meals a day in Gravesend and the surrounding villages. Using about 15 drivers at any one time, the service is available 365 days a year.

It has recently started offering a frozen meal service for people who are more able but do not want to have to worry about shopping for ingredients.

Offering his support to Age Concern, Mr Pond said: "There are many people in Gravesend who rely on meals-on-wheels.

"I thanked the volunteers who give up their time to provide this invaluable service."

Meals on wheels is privately-run by the charity and is partly-funded by Kent Social Services.

All profits made go towards Age Concern. National Meals-on-Wheels Week will run until Friday.

November 13, 2001 11:43