A MALVERN Christian centre has celebrated its eighth birthday by launching a food voucher scheme for homeless people.

The Lyttelton Well has sent church ministers in the town £2,000 in vouchers that can be redeemed at three fast-food outlets in the town. It is acting on behalf of the ecumenical group Churches Together in Malvern.

Andy Lyle, who is co-ordinating the project, described the move this month as a "real community push".

"The money came from street collections at Christmas," said Mr Lyle, who has taken part in a similar scheme in Exeter.

"The vouchers have been given to clergy and ministers because they tend to get people knocking on their doors or telephoning them, asking for help.

"I've worked in hostels for people with drug and alcohol problems and I believe it's best to meet homeless people's need for food directly, rather than give them cash.

"We approached three chip shops in Barnard's Green, Malvern Link and Graham Road about the scheme and they were happy to accept the vouchers."

Mr Lyle said that, although Malvern might seem a prosperous town to many observers, it suffered from "hidden homelessness" in particular. Some people were taking refuge in squats or in caravans, he said.

"We're going to review the food voucher scheme later this year and see if it needs to be expanded," he added.

"We hope to be able to continue this valuable service over the coming years."

The bright red vouchers can be redeemed at Jim's Fish Bar, Malvern Link Fish Bar and the Golden Kitchen.

The Lyttelton Well centre, based at Church Street, in Malvern, has also used its eighth anniversary to launch a book that has gone on sale this month.

Living Water - the Story of The Lyttelton Well was written by some of the people closely involved with the centre, which offers a counselling service and self-help group for people experiencing bereavement or divorce.