THE founder of a drop-in café that supports isolated or unwell residents has been shortlisted for a photography award.

Prestwich woman Kate Walker set up the Talk To Me café, based in the communal area at retirement living accommodation Clark's Hill, in May last year.

The scheme was launched in memory of Ms Walker's husband who died due to vascular dementia.

Steve Whiley, of Six Town Housing, said: "As his carer, Kate often felt isolated and did not know who to talk to about his illness. She knew she needed to do something to help others in the community facing similar situations.

"As well as free refreshments, Kate provides quizzes and games at the sessions to help people talk to others from their area that they may never have met before."

A photograph of Ms Walker with café attendee Amy is one of just nine from across the UK that will feature in a Celebrating Community Champions Photography Exhibition in Birmingham.

Six Town Housing submitted the photo of Ms Walker to the competition, after initially supporting her with a funding bid to Ambition For Ageing to set up the café, and providing her with the space to run her sessions.

The competition aims to challenge negative media stereotypes of social housing tenants.

The exhibition forms part of the National Federation Of ALMOs conference (NFA), the trade body for organisations like Six Town Housing who manage housing on behalf of local authorities. Attendees will vote for their favourite photograph, with the winner being announced on May 3.