TWO stalwarts of a Teignmouth community centre that provides hot food, entertainment, learning and a chat for the over-50s are retiring.

Husband and wife Denis and Neelia Hutchins, both 78, have been at the helm of the Alice Cross Centre for more than ten years, but this week was their last.

Neelia's renowned lunchtime nosh has been a favourite with regulars, and for the final week she put three of her signature dishes on the menu – gamekeeper's pot; seafood medley, and tipsy chicken.

Neelia has been the catering manager, Denis the coordinator, and the partnership has helped to make the Alice Cross Centre a popular daytime venue.

'It has been a fantastic experience working here, and we will miss it. We intend to take it easy for a while, but will probably return to the centre in the new year to help out with some activities,' said Neelia.

'There have obviously been changes over the years, but the format remains basically the same. People love coming here because it provides them with reasonably priced hot meals, companionship, and all sorts of entertainment and fun.

'When we first came, it was for over-65s only, but we changed that to over-50s, and that attracted a younger element and a different atmosphere.'

Taking over as cook will be Tracey Northcott. A new coordinator is still being sought.