A WARM welcome is being offered by Tavistock churches on weekdays from next week to give people who cannot afford to heat their homes somewhere to go.

The initiative starts on Monday (October 31) and will be running throughout the winter months.

It is the brainchild of Tavistock Area Christians Together, bringing together all the churches in town, with each church picking a different day of the week to be open for set times. Each space will be free, warm, provide refreshments and be welcoming to all.

Deborah Bevan, family worker at Tavistock Methodist Church, said: ‘We just realised that lots of families, lots of elderly people, just lots of people in general are going to be in a really difficult situation this winter. We thought that having some places where they can come in that are warm, that are safe, that have a welcome and offer a warm drink and warm food would be something really good to offer the community.’

The spaces are very much open to everyone, not just church members.

On Mondays, the Parish Church of St Eustachius is opening the parish rooms between 10am and 2pm, with a hot meal available. On Tuesdays, the Catholic Church is opening its lounge/meeting room from 10.30am to 12.30pm with refreshments and crafts.

On Wednesdays, the Kings Church off Pixon Lane will be open from 11am to 12.30pm with a cafe.

On Thursdays, Tavistock Methodist Church will open its upper hall from 9am to 12 noon offering tea and toast. On Fridays, the United Reformed Church’s Lower Deck Cafe will also be open from 10am to 2pm.

And the Abbey Chapel is also opening up on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Tavistock Library is also offering a warm space during its opening hours, with all being welcome.