Tasty, healthy meals are being delivered across Watford and Hertsmere, care of a new meals-on-wheels service.

Hertfordshire Community Meals (HCM) began operating in North Hertfordshire in October 2007, but the "social enterprise" has now been rolled out across the two boroughs in south-west Hertfordshire.

The official launch celebrated the hard work of staff in modernising the service. There is a new operational headquarters in Letchworth with new ovens and freezers, new delivery vans with storage which helps ensure food arrives hot and fresh, and a greater choice of meals catering for a variety of diets. A frozen delivery service is also available.

Councillor Sally Newton said: "This service is not just about the delivery of a hot lunchtime meal. For some older people, it is their only point of social contact during the day. Deliverers provide some welcome company, but they can also play a vital role in flagging up any concerns about their customers to the relevant agencies which can help.

"Prior to HCM, there were four different districts delivering four different services from four different kitchens, some of which needed urgent improvement. But thanks to the commitment of the county and district councils to work together, we have a more modern, streamlined service delivering a greater choice of fresh, nutritious meals."

June Jumaily, Chief Executive of HCM, said: "We are very proud of our achievements in the last year and in particular our team, whose dedication and commitment to our clients ensures that we offer a reliable, quality and friendly service to this vulnerable group."