SCORES of Herefordshire children will have access to free meals and a string of activities to keep them occupied during the school summer break thanks to the compassion of one local postmistress.

Sonya Cary runs the successful Pontrilas Post Office and village shop and the adjoining community gym and café. Both will be available for youngsters to enjoy during the six weeks before they return to classrooms.

The summer initiative is the latest community outreach organised by Ms Cary, who has worked tirelessly during her decade as postmistress to transform her branch into a one-stop hub which sits at the heart of the community, which has some 6,000 residents.

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Local businesses will also be involved in hosting events for the children and there will also be a celebration to mark the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The free lunches will be available Monday to Friday.

Ms Cary has worked with Herefordshire County Council to host a string of wellbeing events for the community at the café and gym since autumn last year, including a winter stew and brew club, film events, and weekly lunch clubs for the elderly.

For Ms Cary, caring for the community and running a successful Post Office and store are one and the same.

Some eight  years ago she launched the charitable Social Enterprise (C.A.R.E CIC Herefordshire) which operates all the community services she provides for the elderly in 17 villages in Herefordshire.

Ms Cary, 65, said: “And very importantly, our endeavours work in partnership with Herefordshire Council ‘Talk Community Hub’ which plays a vital link to our rural communities.

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“The Post Office I took over was due to close when I arrived in Pontrilas all those years ago. Because of my previous work as a regional fundraiser for the Red Cross I could see there was a need to provide support and care for those in the local community. They are predominantly elderly or young families and there is very little around here in terms of amenities.

"I wanted my Post Office and the hub I created to sit at the heart of the community and I’m proud to be able to say that it does. The branch is always busy as is the shop the community café and gym. They are all thriving.

“I’m very much looking forward to welcoming the local children to the café for their lunches during the school holidays.”