A VALUABLE community resource, which provides older people with an opportunity to socialise will close after its cook retired and no replacement was found.

A VALUABLE community resource, which provides older people with an opportunity to socialise will close after its cook retired and no replacement was found.

But members of the Exning Day Centre, who met at their base in the village near Newmarket for the last time yesterday, are hopeful a volunteer will come forward to allow their sessions to carry on.

Liz Hayes hung up her chef's hat for the last time after 18 years of producing stews, sausages and roasts for 16 older people once a week.

Canon Simon Pettitt, vicar at the village's St Martin's Church, described Mrs Hayes' work at the Day Centre as "absolutely outstanding," but warned of a bleak future if a replacement cannot be found.

"We are having to close, as we have not found a replacement," he said.

"For some, it is the centre of their week, and they socialise, play bingo and have lunch – simple things but also wonderful things.

"The day centre is mainly for older people, and gives them the chance to come together and enjoy each other's company – it would be a real shame to see it close permanently.

"Liz has been doing the job for 18 years, and after that time she probably needs to retire. But her role is also a voluntary one, which is part of the issue.

"She has done an absolutely outstanding, wonderful job. It is extremely sad to see her go."

Mrs Hayes described the role as "very rewarding," saying two mornings a week were needed to purchase food then prepare it.

"I have enjoyed the work I do at the day centre, and wouldn't have done it for 18 years if I hadn't," she said.

The group meets in St Martin's Community Hall. Anyone interested in volunteering for the role should contact Canon Pettitt on 01638 577413, or write to him at The Vicarage, 1, New River Green, Exning, Newmarket, CB8 7HS.