A NEW community group is calling for people to get together to share their ideas to improve Dudley- all over a bowl of soup.

Dudley SOUP sees groups and individuals submit their proposals for community projects and then present and answer questions about their idea over a meal.

Everyone in attendance then votes for the project they think is best and the project with the most votes wins the money taken on the door and leaves with the funds that evening.

Lorna Prescott, one of Dudley SOUP's organisers, said: "I was inspired by Birmingham SOUP, which launched in 2015, and when I talked to people in Dudley about it I sensed excitement. I bought the first Dudley SOUP team together in 2016, and they did amazing work, hosting SOUP dinners over five seasons. Now we’re back for 2019 with a new team, some new venues to try out, and a growing network of projects and support for people with great ideas to hook into. SOUP helps places thrive.”

SOUP collectives have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for various projects around the world to provide direct benefits for their local communities, such as after school clubs, park clean ups, helping the homeless and kickstarting micro-businesses.

Organisers say the event empowers others and help projects get off the ground, whether winners or not.

Everyone is welcome to attend with a suggested £5 cash donation on the door.

Places must be booked in advance at www.dudleysoup.co.uk and proposals must be submitted on the website by Monday April 22.

The next Dudley SOUP meet-up takes place at the Gather cafe on Dudley High Street on Thursday May 9 at 6pm.