GREENACRES Congregational Church Oldham £2,000 prize after in national Serving the Community Awards.

Sylvia Huttley and Stuart Paulley received the award on behalf of the church members during the Congregational Federation national assembly held in Dundee recently.

The awards, sponsored by national church insurer Congregational Insurance, recognise churches that harness the skills of their members and other local volunteers, to establish and maintain social initiatives within their community.

Greenacres' Friendship Centre was established within the church more than four years ago, to provide local people with a place where they can meet, chat, play games and enjoy a freshly cooked meal at a very reasonable price.

The "safe and welcoming environment", run entirely by volunteers every Thursday, is open to anyone in the area and further afield.

Some users are referred by the “Early Help” network in Oldham which supports vulnerable people who may have issues such as homelessness, benefit difficulties or health and mobility problems.

Stuart Paulley, church deacon and social secretary, said: “All volunteers at the Thursday Friendship Centre were ‘chuffed to bits’ when we heard about the award.

"Positive feedback of this type is so rewarding and its especially relevant for our minister, David Lampard and his wife Sian who have worked so hard to make our church more inclusive.

"We’ve received many compliments from people who use the church but it's even nicer to be given national recognition. The money will be put to good use continuing our work serving God and the community.”