A COMMUNITY cafe in Tillicoultry has given £800 to charity.

CHAS, Strathcarron Hospice, Maggie's Centre and Play Alloa each received £200 on Wednesday, April 19 as a result of the venture.

For over a year, members of Tillicoultry Baptist Church have run Cafe 2:16, serving free lunch with a side helping of conversation.

There is a donation box for those who want to show their appreciation, with no obligation to put money in.

However, thanks to the generosity of the regular customers the cafe has not only been able to meet its costs, but also lend a hand to good causes.

Organiser Sheena Neil said it was down to the “amazing kindness” of people and gave a huge thanks to those who have donated and shown support.

The cafe runs every Wednesday between noon and 1.30pm in The Annexe at Murray Square.

Sheena said: “It's definitely for the benefit of the community. They are loving it.

“We get quite a lot of regulars but we also get surprises of people who haven't heard of it.

“We're really reaching out to the community – taking the church out into the community instead of waiting for people to come to us.”

The Annexe, formerly the toilet block, is used for craft groups, Italian classes, a bikers cafe, and other church and community activities, as well as Cafe 2:16.

Lunches were initially served in the baptist church building itself, until some recent issues with the roof meant a change of venue.

Reverend Peter Foster, of Tillicoultry Baptist Church, said: "Alongside other provision in Tillicoultry, it's been great to see the development of Cafe 2:16 once a week.

"There is always a good atmosphere and friendly local people to talk to and I've been amazed by the generous donations that mean that it is possible to give towards some great local charities.

"I think it's great that people chose to contribute to their local community in such a positive way."

The cafe is made possible thanks to the band of 16-20 enthusiastic volunteers, who work on a rotational basis.

Anyone who would like to get involved – general duties would include setting-up, serving soup and washing-up – will be made welcome.

For details on volunteering, please get in touch with Sheena on 01259 724337.