Owned by a Christian trust, Way Inn is nevertheless a business and must make money while ensuring there is a happy, welcoming environment for anyone and everyone who may call in, some perhaps for a chat and prayer, someone else living on their own who appreciates a roast dinner, some simply fancy a cup of tea or coffee in a friendly place.

But Way Inn has an advantage that has enabled it to keep going in Berkhamsted for the past 16 years. It has volunteers who like being part of this establishment and manager Rod Cottrell is candid about their being the absolute key to survival of the cafe/ restaurant.

There's also its policy to serve freshly cooked food, which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, bought from local suppliers.

Once a month there's a special candlelight evening event which has become popular. About 20 bookings have already been made for a Greek evening in June.

Another good point in its policy is that once diners book a table, it's their's for the evening.

The heading 'waitresses, waiters, kitchen staff wanted' doesn't reveal the diversity of jobs that volunteers can do at Way Inn, giving room for people of all abilities and ages. At present they range from 16 to 73. Some are content with washing up, like twins Claire and Catherine Newis who have been helping there once a week for 12 years Others like waiting at table and having a chat with customers.

Another volunteer goes in to collect a shopping list and deals with that once a week. Some one else looks after the volunteer rota.

"We have room for all types of people. There are all kinds of jobs for volunteers to do. This allows me to concentrate on my work," said Rod, who has been manager at Way Inn for about a year and a half. He also has a part time job teaching food technology and cookery to children aged 4 to 15.

He has a deputy, Matthew North.

It's open to volunteers to choose what time they wish to give to support Way Inn. The time can be an hour a week, one or two hours a month, whatever they would like.

Being a Christian organisation doesn't bar anyone from working there. Some volunteers are neither church goers nor religious.

The Monday to Saturday opening times are from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, busiest between 11 am and 3.30pm. At present there are about 15 regular volunteers, two paid members of staff, Rod and Matthew and two staff at the associated bookshop where there are also volunteer openings.

It is run by the Christian Trust, which owns the Post Office.

Rod hopes to find more volunteers for the rota, knowing they will be joining a cheerful crowd of helpers.

The Volunteer Centre, The Roundhouse, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead. 01442 247209; www.volunteerdacorum.org