THREE years ago, Mike Pratt, with the help of his wife Barbara and fellow members of the Methodist Church at Cheriton Fitzpaine, set up a Breakfast Club in the Church Hall.

Nobody knew how it would be received - or even if anybody would come - but Mike went ahead in faith and the Club is a resounding success, with young families, older people and sometimes extended families meeting for "Brunch".

Although several members of the Church do help, it became obvious that Mike (who trained as a cook in the Merchant Navy) would need more helpers.

Chatting to people in the village, he soon amassed a loyal band of servers, washers up and "general dogsbodies", some of whom bring their young daughters to help.

Apart from providing a reasonably priced, cooked breakfast in a safe, warm environment, where nobody pressurises you to leave, the adjoining church is open for quiet reflection and prayer.

Recently, Mike and Barbara held a "Thank You" buffet lunch for their helpers and other church members.

MN