Newark Parish Church serves up free Christmas Day lunch for 31 guests at Christ Church Hall, Newark

A lunch for people who were likely to be lonely on Christmas Day proved a great success, with 31 guests including children and pensioners.

Members of the team at Newark Parish Church hosted the free lunch at Christ Church Hall in Newark.

Before the event, team member Chris Dempsey said: “Lonely doesn’t just mean being on your own. You or someone you know may be with a partner, but if you have no other family, this special season can seem a bit lonely.”

The guests were given a traditional three-course Christmas lunch prepared, cooked and served by a team of volunteers.

Chris said: “It went far better than we could ever have expected. We were getting a bit concerned at an initial lack up uptake, but then it all took off.”

Guests included several couples, and an Australian man temporarily working in Newark, who was invited while visiting the parish church.

The lunch was also attended by the Vicar of Newark, the Rev David Pickersgill, and his family.

There was a Christmas quiz, and guests were given goodie bags.

Chris Dempsey said the volunteers had received telephone calls and letters of thanks.

“People are still talking about it and asking if we are doing it again next year,” he said.

Although the lunch was free, £120 was given in donations for Compassion UK, which works to help children in poverty.

Chris Dempsey said the meal had not been intended to be an act of charity, but one of fellowship and community.

“It was hard work but really enjoyable and we were all on a high for several days afterwards,” he said.