TWO businesses are tasting success after being selected by the council to provide hot meals for older people.

Reading Borough Council reviewed the service when the old contract expired.

Independent businesses, Constant Catering Services and Joy's Catering Limited, have taken charge of the service.

Elderly residents at Oak Tree House can look forward to a six-day service and pre-ordered cold meal on Saturdays.

Councillor Rachel Eden, lead member for adult social care, said: “The expiry of the previous catering contract offered us a real opportunity to look again at how meals were provided, and design an innovative service which is sustainable and does more than just provide a hot meal for people who need it.

"The changes have also given a fantastic boost to two small start-up businesses.

“I am delighted that by working with people and their families as well as a small business, we have found a way to combine the meals service with opportunities for people to get-together and share regular meals at affordable prices.”

The council listened to feedback from residents during a 12-week consultation to help tailor the service.