A day out, a good meal, meeting friends and learning new skills are just some of the reasons why so many elderly people travel into Castlebar Social Services Centre, one day a week.

The centre is located in the Castle Street car park in the town centre, and at present a three storey extension to the already very busy centre is under construction.

Earlier this month under Leader funding Minister Michael Ring announced funding of 225,000 euro for the facility to link the old and new buildings and to enhance access.

Up to 100 three course dinners are delivered daily from this hub, through meals on wheels, its the base for a telephone befriending service, a range of classes and meeting rooms, as well as general day care services.

Midwest News spoke to a group of elderly people that were enjoying a meal in the centre, having just arrived off the bus that goes out into rural areas to collect participants weekly and they explained the benefits of attending.