THERE’S a mood of growing optimism among a squad of community volunteers.

They are bringing affordable fruit and vegetables to more than 400 local residents.

Shoots food club is supported by a network of 40 volunteers who deliver up to 600 bags of fruits, vegetables and eggs to some of St Helens’ most deprived areas each week.

The project has been run by Helena Homes since 2007, a not-for-profit social landlord which manages the local council houses, with funding provided by St Helens Primary Care Trust.

Over the past two months, a hardworking team of volunteers has undergone training and recruited volunteers for specialist jobs to equip themselves with a range of skills needed to run the scheme as a social enterprise.

Shoots boasts more than 400 members across 20 local estates, and gives people the chance to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs at an affordable price from local community venues.

The businesses has an annual turnover of £60,000, and has been handed over to volunteers by Michelin-starred chef, Arthur Potts-Dawson, the driving force behind the People’s Supermarket in London, a not-for-profit food cooperative.

“What the Shoots volunteers have achieved in St Helens in only a few years is highly admirable.” said Arthur.

Rob Young, Helena’s chief executive, said: “It is with immense pleasure that Helena is handing over Shoots to the volunteers who have worked so hard to make the scheme the success it is today.

“We will continue to provide support to the community group, as they quickly find their feet as the new owners of this growing business.

“We are confident through hard work and their commitment to the community, the volunteers will be able to bring fresh fruit and veg to even more people in our borough.”

For more information, contact chairman Jennie Williams on 07920 768 601. For details about Helena Homes visit helenahomes.co.uk.