Salvation Army offers free soup on Isle of Wight

The Salvation Army on the Isle of Wight is helping to stave off the hunger of those in hardship one bowl of soup at a time.

Residents on the island are being invited to come along to the centre in Pyle Street, Newport, each Monday for a free hearty soup.

The home-made soup is served with a bread roll and tea or coffee between 10am and 2pm.

It is prepared and served by a team of volunteers, many of whom helped out with the Christmas lunch event last month.

Major Keith Wallis told the Isle of Wight County Press that The Salvation Army would "do whatever we can to help" those facing financial hardship.

"The number of people who came to our Christmas lunch last month was more than double those who came in 2011," he said.

"We are aware many people are finding economic difficulties at this time and this is an attempt to help a little."