One of Bradford's biggest companies has thrown open its canteen doors to help build bridges with the community.

Ciba Speciality Chemicals, of Low Moor, Bradford, yesterday invited 22 pensioners to tuck into food at reduced prices in the canteen at its headquarters in Cleckheaton Road, Low Moor.

The company has just launched a luncheon club for the over-60s and it is proving to be a huge hit with locals.

For less than £2 visitors could have tucked into a three course meal consisting of soup of the day, haddock in parsley sauce with vegetables and treacle pudding with custard.

Spokesman Tracy Magee said the scheme was aimed at improving relations with the community.

"The project is now in its second week and we think it will be popular," she said.

The idea stemmed from resident Margaret Lightowler who wanted the company to start a Christmas lunch for pensioners, four years ago.

She said: "I would always bring it up in meetings, then this happened and I am delighted it is now off the ground."

Now Mrs Lightowler and former Ciba manager Sid Gough act as stewards to ferry the pensioners to lunch on Wednesdays.

He said: "We just have to check everybody's name off when they arrive and leave, and explain safety procedures to them."

The meals have been going down a treat with residents. Lucy Tordoff, of Low Moor, who tucked into haddock with parsley sauce, said : "It is a really good idea. It gets you out of the house and you get to meet people. I will definitely be coming back."

Salad eater Winnie Burrell added: "It saves you cooking and washing up. The food is of a good quality and it is cheap."

Anyone wishing to take part in the weekly luncheon should call the company on Thursdays to reserve a place for the following meal on Wednesdays. Places are limited to 25 people and are awarded on a first-come-first- served basis. For more details call (01274) 417666.

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