Cream Catering, based at Cedars Business Centre, Barnsley Road, provides catering to elderly residents at extra care schemes in th district.

As a social enterprise it provides work for people who are long-term unemployed due to mental ill health.

The catering company was set up last year by Guy Harrison, Wakefield Council’s social enterprise project leader, and Mel Beniston, managing director.

Mr Beniston said he was thrilled at the opportunity to cater for the 800,000 people who visit the complex each year. He said: “We needed diversity in the company to make things more exciting. Pugneys could be a lot healthier and we are hoping to bring in low fat foods, homemade produce and healthier options.

“The company has had some great achievements recently. We have been given an award by Wakefield Council for our health and hygiene. We have sites at Pontefract and Kettlethorpe, and another opening in Normanton in January.

“Cream Catering has developed an excellent reputation for what it does but always look to expand into other areas.

“I would like to thank Guy Harrison and the team at Cedars who have given us a tremendous amount of help. We would not have grown so fast without it.”

Mr Harrison said: “Around 50 per cent of the workforce has been long-term unemployed due to mental health problems and the company gives them a chance to get back into work. All the money the company makes is reinvested in things like training.”

Denise Jeffery, deputy leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It is welcoming to see social enterprises doing well, helping to support some of our disadvantaged citizens.”

Cream Catering will provide refreshments at Pugneys from August 1.