FOLLOWING concern about the provision of an alternative frozen meals on wheels' service in Teesdale, a tasting session for the new products took place this week, writes Sheila Dixon.

Armed with a microwave and a wide selection of frozen dishes, WRVS food services manager Barry Armitage and food manager Maria Rudd attended the Claire House branch of Teesdale lunch clubs to put their samples to the test.

There had been widespread concern about the loss of social contact if meals on wheels were delivered frozen and in bulk only once a week. But Mr Armitage explained that, as cash from government was being cut from £10m to £1m over the next seven years, the WRVS had to find alternative methods of providing a hot meal to those in need.

In choosing to visit one of Teesdale's lunch clubs, he set himself a hard task in winning over those who were used to a homemade three-course lunch. But after a tasting session involving members and volunteers, a general thumbs up was given to the overall standard of the new meals service.

The meal that impressed most was a salmon steak in a seafood sauce - declared beautiful by Mrs Jessie Wilkinson and Mrs Eunice Worsnop - served with peas, sweetcorn and boiled potatoes, while the pudding gaining most points was a trifle, with apple sponge and custard coming a close second. It was interesting to note that in these days of BSE and foot-and-mouth, the roast beef remained untouched, but I can vouch that it was very tasty, as was the gooseberry crumble.

Mr Armitage said that more than 50 choices were available, with other options including vegetarian and diabetic dishes as well as gluten-free meals and those low in fat and carbohydrates. Large print laminated cards had been prepared with full re-heating instructions for microwave or oven.

Clients who are entitled can order two subsidised meals a week at a cost of £1.25 a meal. They can then purchase as many extra meals as required at a cost of £2.45 for two courses.

For more information, telephone the WRVS on 01642 222643.