I read your article "Threat to OAP hot meals service" (January 4) with great dismay.

My friend, who is one of the WRVS volunteers delivering the hot meals, often tells me of these older members of our society who are trying to remain independent.

She cheerfully delivers the hot meals with a joke and a chat and, hopefully, can bring some kind of proportion back into the life of those who may not see anyone else for days. Some of the folk can only walk a few yards; some have problems with their sight, who she helps by putting the meal on the table and making sure they have cutlery. Others are just in need of a kind word.

The WRVS involvement ensures the caring that forms part of this hot meal service will not disappear.

Is it fair to hit these vulnerable members of our society who may not be able to fend for themselves without the encouragement of others who care?

Let us nurture our hot meals on wheels service and care for our elderly, instead of presenting them with a frozen attitude along with a frozen pack to stick in the microwave.

Remember, we all may need a bit of loving care ourselves one day.

Angela Varley,

Malvern Avenue, York.

Updated: 10:11 Saturday, January 07, 2006