Volunteers who have delivered meals to Otley’s elderly for nearly 50 years have been hailed for their ‘incredible’ dedication as their service comes to an end.

From July 1, Leeds City Council will take over the running of the meals on wheels provision for some of the town’s housebound resident from volunteer group WRVS.

But WRVS local service manager Mike Gibbons said the volunteers can be very proud of what they have achieved since 1964 when their operation began.

“It has been my privilege to work with some super people who are highly dedicated to the service of fellow Otley folk, and have given remarkable service over many years,” he said.

“The recent harsh winter was a perfect example, when on several occasions meals were delivered on foot, through snow, and in some cases by volunteers only a little younger than those they were delivering to. I think that is quite incredible.”

The Otley WRVS group serves up to 30 meals a day, four days a week and heats the food at its base on North Parade. From next month, some of the 30 volunteers will help out at the Wharfedale Hospital where the WRVS runs a tea bar and ward trolley.

But the switch of the Otley service to Leeds City Council has upset many volunteers who claim they were left in the dark about some of the plans. Mr Gibbons admitted the change could have been handled better.

“That has led to volunteers being unsure about what they’re going to be doing and caused a lot of rumours,” he said.

“My belief is that the current WRVS management is genuinely sorry for the inconvenience that’s been caused, and are very, very grateful for all the work the volunteers have done – some, who are still doing it, for more than 30 years.”

The Council says the change will lead to service improvements as, from July, the meals, which will be cooked in special vans as they are being taken to customers’ homes, will be delivered seven days a week as well as on bank holidays.