A woman was honoured this week for 20 years of service and 250,000 meals cooked going to homeless and vulnerably housed adults.

The Porch in Oxford put the celebration on for long-serving catering manager Lorraine Green who had been the "heart and soul" of the charity's operations on Magdalen Road.

Freshly cooked meals, showers, laundry and a wide range of other support is provided by The Porch which was established more than 35 years ago.

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Ms Green said: "It’s incredible to believe that I have been catering at The Porch for two decades.

Oxford Mail: Ms Green pictured with the lord mayor.Ms Green pictured with the lord mayor. (Image: The Porch)

"People ask, 'why do you do what you do and why for so long?' 

"It’s easy to respond, I’m passionate about supporting the less fortunate of us in society.

"The best way I can do this is through providing good quality, nutritious and balanced meals.

"It's vitally important that the most vulnerable in our society get fresh nutritious meals to maintain their health, and when you see the smile on their face and joy in their eyes, you know all the hard work has been worth it.”

Lord Mayor Lubna Arshad and councillor Linda Smith were welcomed along to the event, along with friends and members of the charity.

The presentation and ceremony included speeches of gratitude from the Lord Mayor and The Porch director, Guy Scotece, thanking Lorraine for her dedication and commitment to making The Porch a 'vibrant and welcoming place'.

Oxford Mail: Ms Green has celebrated 20 years of service.Ms Green has celebrated 20 years of service. (Image: The Porch)

Ms Green was presented with a special achievement award and gifts to mark the occasion.

Mr Scotece said: "Lorraine’s role within The Porch day centre is pivotal.

"As the catering manager, Lorraine has been the beating heart at the centre providing comfort through her food.

"Every day is a master class in 'Ready, Steady, Cook', through managing the catering budget and the diverse donations she receives to create outstanding meals, day after day, after day. 

He continued: "She doesn't judge and all are welcome.

Oxford Mail: Friends and members of the charity were also in attendance.Friends and members of the charity were also in attendance. (Image: The Porch)

"To many of our members, she is considered to be Oxford’s best kept secret."

The Porch has just launched its winter campaign that aims to raise funds for the Porch Community Cafe, for which more information can be found at www.theporch.org.uk.

Meals provided by the charity are cooked from scratch every day making use of its allotment produce and 'whatever other ingredients are available any given day'.

Oxford Mail: Meals provided by the charity are cooked from scratch every day.Meals provided by the charity are cooked from scratch every day. (Image: The Porch)

The charity is open seven-days-a-week, providing breakfasts Saturdays and Sundays to help support local vulnerable people.

It will be opening on Christmas Day as usual to lay on a full roast dinner 'with all the trimmings'.

The charity added that demand for its services is growing and that it is grateful for any donations made towards the cost of providing hot and nutritious meals.