A PREDICTED boom in County Durham's ageing population has prompted a mini-revolution in Meals on Wheels.
In response to the expected rise in the number of pensioners in the county, the Women's Royal Voluntary Service has launched a new frozen meal service.
Almost 19 per cent of County Durham residents are pensioners, which is four per cent higher than the national average, with one in four households made up of only pensioners.
WRVS director of strategic development Mark Lever launched the scheme in Chester-le-Street yesterday.
He said: "By the year 2025 the number of over eighties is expected to rise by 50 per cent, with the over nineties doubling, so it's important we respond to this by offering high quality services to those people who choose to remain in their own homes."
In tandem with County Durham Social Services, the WRVS has delivered its Meals with Care service to residents who used to get Meals on Wheels, but has now decided to offer Meals with Care to all residents.
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