YOUNG people in Kendal have created an in-house soup kitchen to support other youngsters in need of a substantial meal.

The group living at the South Lakes Foyer turned an idea into reality and set up the soup kitchen for their peers following sessions on cooking on a budget.

The Soup Station project sees the team whip together fresh home-made soup to freeze so it's available for those living across the housing service who are struggling with problems, on low incomes or do not have enough cash for food.

Czarek Flak, a resident at South Lakes Foyer, was one of the young people who developed the project.

“We wanted an effective, healthy and cheap way to feed everyone who has run out of food or can’t afford food," said Czarek. "We thought soup would be a good idea as well as easy to make and share with others and get support from other companies.

"It’s now available for all tenants that want it.”

During a meal, residents including Hannah Fryer and Ciara Ash came up with the idea of using the same ingredients that they buy for cooking on a budget sessions to make a batch of soup every week.

Louise Gray, service manager, said: “It was so inspiring to see that young people are using their experiences to commit to supporting their peers in practical and meaningful ways and it is brilliant to get the support of the community to implement the project.

"I hope the Soup Station concept continues long into the future.”

The scheme has been praised by Sam Rayner, of Lakeland Limited, which has donated items for safe storage and heating of the soup.

And Kendal's Staff of Life owner Simon Thomas has taught the cooks to make bread and committed to keeping a freezer stocked with loaves.

Now those using the Soup Station have healthy, hearty, home-made soup and real bread whenever they need it at no additional cost.