A community run radio station in Leek will be doubling up as a 'warm hub' for residents who may be feeling the chill during the cost of living crisis this winter.

Leek Radio CIC have announced that its Sparrow Park premises will be doubling up as a warm hub every Wednesday, starting next month.

The hub, which is supported by the Co-operative Bank, will be completely free for residents to use and will open from 8am - 10pm.

The station says the aim of the hub is to give residents who are struggling to pay their bills a chance to keep warm, charge their electronic devices, and enjoy a hot drink, with plans to also offer hot meals in the future.

They are also looking for more volunteers to enable the hub to open for longer hours and on more days.

A spokesperson for the station explained more about the hub and their plans for the future.

They said: "Starting late October 2022, Leek Radio CIC will open its doors every Wednesday to the local community, becoming a warm hub for the local community, based in Leek town centre. Everyone is welcome and it is completely free!

"Leek warm hub will be open from 8am - 10pm with a view to opening more days as funding and volunteer numbers allow. We would like to get to a point where we can be open 24/7 but that would require immense people power and funding.

"Shortly after launching, we will be able to offer a hot meal, but until that is all in place, we have hot drinks, a warm, comfortable place to get warm, charge your phone or laptop, meet others in similar situations, get help and advice on things like energy saving ideas, access to emergency food (Leek Radio can refer people to the food bank) and so much more to come.

"We just want to give back to our community, to be a friend when one is needed, or simply just a place where people can feel safe, pop in for a cuppa, and keep warm."

They've also made a call for volunteers to come forward and help to make the warm hub possible. They said: "To make this happen, we're calling on you amazing folks in Leek! Your community needs you! Could you volunteer just a few hours a week to be a friend to someone that needs it? Just to have a cuppa with them, a chat, to listen?

"No one should ever have to feel alone or isolated, and we can make a difference to people's lives, with your help.

"If you would like to help, you can email us with your name and contact info to: [email protected]

"Or text your name to: 07394 165 844

"Or message our Facebook page: Leek Radio CIC

"We will be in touch over the next few days."

They added: "Leek warm hub - because no-one should have to choose between heating or eating! We would like to thank the the Co-operative Bank for their support by helping to cover our energy consumption for the hub. Co-op Bank are extremely community oriented and we are grateful for their contribution, helping to make this possible."

Co-op Membership helps support Co-op's national charity partners and Local Community Fund causes. See www.coop.co.uk/membership