Dolgellau Fire Station opened its doors to older people this week as it hosted the first Clwb Cinio of 2012 for local residents over the age of 55.

The monthly lunch club was first launched in 2010, and proved very popular with local residents. It was relaunched on Wednesday September 13 much to the delight of local pensioners.

The club is organised by the Dolgellau Rotary Club representative and former town mayor Delwyn Evans and supported by staff from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police.

Cllr Delwyn Evans said: "Increasing age is generally associated with increasing disability and loss of independence. Functional impairments such as loss of mobility, sight and hearing can often mean that older people cannot get out and about as they used to and feelings of loneliness can sometimes increase.

"We set up Clwb Cinio in order to give older residents a chance to maintain a healthy social life and independence for as long as possible, and ensure that they have a healthy freshly prepared meal."

Celfyn Evans, Community Safety Team Leader for Gwynedd and Ynys Môn for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service added: "We as a fire and Rescue Service are very keen to work with the community and hosting the Clwb Cinio at the fire station gives us the opportunity to talk to older and vulnerable local people and teach them all about the importance of fire safety in the home.

"This new initiative is key to creating relationships with our older residents and getting across potentially life saving advice and information not only to those who attend the Clwb Cinio but also friends and acquaintances of those who we meet during the club sessions."

Elsie Jones, 84 of Ardd Fawr Dolgellau attended the first lunch club with her sister Adelaide Cleridge. She said: "We really enjoyed the excellent food and it gave us a nice chance to catch up with friends and meet new people.

"It's also a good way to get information on keeping as safe as possible in the home."

The partners who are involved in this initiative are the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Members of the Meirionnydd Community Policing Team, Dolgellau Rotary Club, Public Health Wales, Gwynedd Council, Gwynedd Citizens' Advice Bureau, Dolgellau Community Council, and older people representatives from Dolgellau.

Clwb Cinio has places at the Fire Station for older people from Dolgellau and surrounding areas to purchase a three course meal one Wednesday every month and there will be an opportunity to listen to talks on relevant subjects. It is also hoped that older people themselves would have suggestions as to the type of activities that they should like to follow.

As places are limited people are advised to book a place by telephoning Councillor Delwyn Evans, on 01341 422 498.

Older people are able to use the Town Bus for transport which stops near the Fire Station at 11.36am and leaves again at either 13.36pm or 14.31pm.