RESIDENTS who are supported by a life-saving Inverclyde organisation were kept fed and watered for free during a renovation project after a host of businesses stepped up to the (hot) plate to help.

The Jericho House men's service now has a new kitchen thanks to a very kind donation from a couple from Stepps. 

While the kitchen area was out of commission during the refit, people and businesses across Inverclyde rallied round to provide lunches and dinners for around 20 residents and staff. 

Former Jericho resident and volunteer Anthony McCluskey approached local businesses for help and said the support he received was 'tremendous'.

Anthony said: "I went to places locally and everyone was willing to help. It was brilliant. 

"Local business went above and beyond to step in and provide us with lunch and dinner over those three days.

"I want to thank the whole community of Greenock for supporting us. 

"Everything was provided for free."

Anthony thanked the teams at The Exchange, Taco Bell, Greggs, Scott's, Tesco Port Glasgow, and the Colliery Cafe in Stepps for helping with the food. 

The team at B&Q in Port Glasgow also donated worktops for the kitchen project. 

Jericho House focuses on a drugs-free approach to life through an individual needs-based programme. 

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Anthony said the refit marked the first time the kitchen had been renewed in 30 years. 

He said he set the ball rolling for the project when he was a resident. 

Anthony added: "When I was in the treatment centre myself, I saw that the kitchen was dilapidated. 

"I put a couple of feelers out appealing for anyone who was getting rid of a kitchen to get in touch. 

"A couple from Stepps donated a kitchen they had only had in for five years, and two former residents gave up their time to install it over three days."

Anthony said the kind food donations helped the service continue its vital work. 

He added: "We would have really struggled if it wasn't for the help we received.

"The donations meant the service was able to run smoothly and keep focusing on recovery, without having to worry about not having a kitchen. 

"I want to take this opportunity to offer our thanks and well wishes to everyone for their continued support of Jericho House. 

"The support has not gone unnoticed."