A WOMAN who feeds Oxford's most needy has thanked the city for stepping up and 'saving their lives' a year after her kitchen faced closure.

Last year, Icolyn 'Ma' Smith, 85, feared she would have to close the doors of Oxford Community Soup Kitchen, in Manzil Way, after 25 years if more money and volunteers could not be found.

But, after an Oxford Mail appeal, readers pledged a staggering £10,000 to the Icolyn Smith Foundation, with many rolling up their sleeves to help in the kitchen.

And a year later Mrs Smith says the kitchen is in a 'better position than ever before'.

Mrs Smith's son Gary, 50, who volunteers at the twice-weekly soup kitchen, said they would never be able to repay the Oxford Mail and its readers for what they had done for the people who use the kitchen.

The DJ, who recently performed at the Monaco Grand Prix, said: "We are doing so much better than ever before and it's because of the amazing appeal.

"Every week we still have people ringing up and wanting to volunteer for us or donate money and it's absolutely amazing - no-one can understand what it means to us.

"We want to thank everyone who has helped us over the past year and got us to where we are now because we have been able to keep feeding the people that really need our help and to give them the support they need."

Mrs Smith, who arrived in Oxford from Jamaica 51 years ago, said the money and support generated had been 'life-changing'.

The great grandmother, who was made an MBE in 1998, said: "The people that use the kitchen don't have homes or company and they rely on us for meals and to stay alive, so I am thankful for the money.

"We don't just serve up anything in here we put our heart and soul into it."

The Soup kitchen has been working with Oxford Foodbank for six years and, on both days it is open, it receives a delivery of delicious goods from 20 suppliers across the county.

The charity, which is based in North Hinksey, delivers food which has been disposed of by some 80 retailers that are close to reaching their sell-by date but are still in great condition, including Jamie Oliver products from wholesalers.

On a typical day, the soup kitchen would use the contents of a well stocked Oxford Foodbank van to whip up a homemade fish pie, creamy mash potatoes and array of vegetables or even some bread, olives and houmous.

Manager Cathy Howard said: "Ma and Gary are one of our favourites and the work that they do is absolutely incredible - they provide a lifeline in the community for those that need it.

"In a time where a third of the food produced is thrown away it is great to know that the food is going to such a valuable use."

The soup kitchen is already preparing for the winter months and Mr Smith said can be the most dangerous time of year for people on the streets.

He said: "Not having anywhere to stay can be terrible during winter because people don't have any way of keeping warm.

"We're in need of warm clothes, coats, sleeping bags, socks, tents or anything that could keep our people warm over winter.

"We would also welcome any tins that we can use over winter too to keep feeding the people that really need it."

If you are able to donate any items of clothing or tins to the Icolyn Smith Foundation or to find out more, visit: icolynsmithfoundation.co.uk