Bootle Salvation Army has been honoured at the Spirit of Merseyside awards.

The corps (church) based in Stanley Road received the Prosperous Communities Award in recognition of its outstanding service to the people who are homeless, elderly or who have substance abuse or mental health issues.

During a community celebration at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Bootle corps was praised for opening its hall three times a week to serve breakfast and lunch as well as offering showering and laundry facilities and the services of a community nurse.

An army of 22 volunteers and a part-time cook help run the community centre and there are plans to expand and offer a keep fit class and computer lessons in the near future.

Community co-ordinator Alan Roper said: 'We are proud to have accepted this honour in recognition of all the hard work that is done at our centre to help those less fortunate than ourselves. We are especially grateful to all our volunteers without whom our work would not be possible.'