Forest Town manufacturer Plastek UK further strengthened its community links in January by supporting a vital meals-on-wheels service that helps elderly people in Mansfield.

Through its networking with other Mansfield and Ashfield businesses, the family-owned business became aware of an initiative driven by Patchills Pantry — a popular café and meeting place at the heart of The Patchills Centre retirement community, off Eakring Road.

During the pandemic, when it was difficult or impossible for local residents to go to the café, Patchills Pantry started the meals-on-wheels service and began delivering substantial, homemade two-course meals.

Plastek heard that local business entrepreneur Faye Finaro had donated £45 to provide a week of meals for a pensioner.

So the business chose to support the project further with a donation of £450 to extend the scheme to 10 more recipients.

Building on this momentum, Patchills Pantry soon had sufficient donations from other generous businesses and individuals to deliver healthy, homecooked meals to 450 people throughout the cold weather of January.

Mick Shaw, a vice-president at Plastek UK, a leading manufacturer of custom injection and blow moulded components for the packaging industry, said: “As a family-owned business and major employer, we are proud to remain well-connected with our local community and to participate in a wide range of activities that support local people and organisations.

“Plastek UK would like to congratulate everyone involved in the community initiative for this resounding success.”

Patchills Pantry Café is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 2pm.