TEIGNMOUTH’s Alice Cross Centre celebrated the official opening of its new kitchen.

Mayor Iain Palmer and walking ‘superstar’ Eric Crocker performed the ceremony at the centre to mark the new state-of-the-art kitchen which will provide meals for centre users.

Last Christmas, the centre provided more than 70 festive dinners.

Guest of honour was 88-year-old former postman Eric who completed a month-long charity walk in support of the centre.

He cut the ribbon to open the kitchen with Mayor of Teignmouth Iain Palmer.

Eric was also presented with a Mayor’s Recognition Award certificate for his efforts.

The Mayor also presented volunteer stalwarts, Janet Oettl and Shirley Cook, who have been volunteering for 20 years, with the Mayor’s Recognition Award.

A centre spokesman said: ‘Their work is invaluable and we cannot thank them enough for their continued support.

‘Our new kitchen was made possible by a very generous grant from Valencia Communities fund.

‘We want to thank them once again for their support.

‘The new kitchen will make our meal services so much easier and allow us to reach more people in Teignmouth.’