A DAY centre which helps feed some of the most vulnerable people in Oxford is celebrating five years of top food hygiene scores.

The Porch Day Centre, based in East Oxford, supports people living on the streets and in inadequate accommodation and offers two hot meals a day at a minimal cost.

Since 2013, the charity has been rated five stars by Oxford City Council’s food hygiene team for its two kitchens, cafe and food store.

This trend continued last month, with the Magdalen Road day centre securing the highest rating again when inspectors visited on October 25.

The charity's director Jon Fitzpatrick said staff were 'very pleased' with the score and seal of approval.

The Porch's website explains the work it does with meals is a vital part of the help it offers: “Our café is the hub of The Porch. Healthy food eaten on a regular basis is a critical start to the improvement of the body and the mind.

“We provide nutritious low-priced meals twice a day, six days a week, all year round."

It adds: "We cook with our own organic produce, harvest donations and contributions from the local food bank.

“We offer members the chance to gain new skills by working in our kitchens in preparation for further training and employment opportunities."

The Porch said the cafe, which features much of its own produce grown at local allotments, was also a 'vital social and activity space' with daily newspapers and board games provided, as well as bingo nights and other social events.

Sometimes special meals are also cooked and provided by friends of The Porch.

The success of the kitchens was highlighted earlier this year when catering manager Lorraine Green was nominated for a High Sherriff’s Award.

She has been at the charity for 15 years, in charge of providing meals at the day centre for the last six.

The Porch was founded by the All Saints Sisters of the Poor in 1986, and moved to its current home in 2001 after outgrowing the sisters’ storeroom.

The project has since grown into an independent charity with its own staff and is the only Oxford day centre open six days a week.

It helps 200 vulnerable people every year, providing support including counselling, therapies and skills training.

It also provides opportunities for people to learn IT skills, cooking and gardening, as well as having social interaction.

Visit theporch.org.uk for more information about the services it offers.