A CAFE supporting refugees and migrant women has been given much-needed catering equipment to expand its work.

Milk Cafe was set up in 2015 by Angela Ireland and Gabby Cluness to provide employment, training and support to refugees and migrant women.

Now the Govanhill community cafe is planning to set up an outside catering service, which will create extra jobs.

And to support the endeavour, City Building has gifted a coffee machine and fridge while City Building supplier Thain Commercial has given a microwave.

Angela, founder of the Milk Café, said: "We really appreciate the donation of the equipment; kind offers like this go a long way to helping us to achieve our community aims.

"We are excited about the growth of the business and we are looking forward to working with more like-minded partners in Govanhill."

Milk Café’s contribution to Govanhill has been recognised by a number of awards, including the Evening Times Community Champions.

It was also runner up in the Best Ethical Food Project category at the Observer Food Magazine Awards 2017.

City Building arranged the donation in partnership with Govanhill Housing Association.

Lyn Ewing, chairwoman of Govanhill Community Development Trust, said: “Milk Café is a fantastic resource for Govanhill.

"In addition to helping refugee and migrant women to gain skills and employment it has become a real community hub, offering a wide range of activities from language classes to open mic nights.

“We were delighted to be able to support them to expand and grow through securing this donation as well as access to a local catering kitchen."

The Evening Times recently told how Milk was canvassing local opinion on plans for a boutique hostel.

Based on Victoria Road, the organisation said it aims to open a hostel promoting "socially responsible travel" while giving work experience, training and emergency accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers.

Councillor Greg Hepburn, chairman of City Building, said: “We’re great admirers of Milk Café, and its achievements, and we’re proud that our donation will support its ambitious plans to grow.”