A cinema in Tywyn has become an outlet for a charity which provides hot food for those in need.

On Thursday, 9 January, Food for All UK launched its food distribution service at the Magic Lantern, from where it will provide free meals and a chance for people to socialise with others.

Free meals will be available to all between 5pm and 6pm every Thursday.

Magic Lantern manager Sara Waddington said: “We had a real mix of people this evening. One lady hadn’t been in the cinema for 20 years.

“We had some people come to eat, some to socialise and show their support and some to see what they could do to help.

“We expect it will take a few months to build up awareness that this is a regular event in the town and also many people may need a lot of encouragement to come along but we hope, over time, word will spread and people will see that there is no stigma attached to it and no judgement or assumptions made.

“It’s just another opportunity for our community to come together and help each other.

“There are many people of all ages who are finding life very difficult. Many face a choice of heating their homes or buying food, and people don’t like to ask for help for fear of being labelled.

“It’s a problem more common than any of us like to think and the Magic Lantern is proud to have been asked to help in a small way.”

Anyone who would like to help with the scheme should contact Food for All UK through its website at foodforalluk.com

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday