Officials in Derbyshire have promised extra help for elderly people worried about the end of the daily meals on wheels service.

The appointment of a private firm to provide the service means all meals will be frozen from the autumn, and deliveries will be made just once a fortnight.

Derbyshire's meals service is currently 60% frozen and 40% hot food.

From the end of September, private firm Apetito takes over from the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, which has provided meals on wheels since 1995.

There are ways which we can organise it so that people know someone will still be checking on their health and safety

Anne Weston, Derbyshire County Council

The WRVS says while the frozen dishes will mean more choice, it is concerned welfare checks on the people who get them may be less frequent as deliveries will be once a fortnight.

But the county council insists extra support will be provided for people who will have difficulties heating the meals.

Anne Weston, county councillor in charge of health and social care, says the council will still organise regular checks on the elderly.

She said:"They have got used to the system and it is a comfort to them to know that someone will be calling.

"There are ways which we can organise it so that people know someone will still be checking one their health and safety."