'Feeding lonely people is our Christmas tradition'

Up to 150 people who face being alone on Christmas Day will be treated to a festive roast lunch thanks to a big-hearted family and an army of volunteers.

Heather Johnstone, her mum Christine Johnstone and aunt Gillian Ward are inviting guests to the sea cadets base in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

It will be the fifth time in seven years they will be serving up the Christmas meal.

Guests are asked to arrive at noon. For those struggling to get to the venue on Princes Way, transport can be provided.

Community artist and mum-of-three Ms Johnstone, 36, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We have some lovely volunteers helping us and we always make sure they get fed as well.

"We're just looking for the diners themselves to get in touch.

"It's not about people being poor, it's about them being alone on Christmas Day.

"That is a very lonely day to be all by yourself, especially when you know other people are with their families.

"It's surprising how many people will be on their own – we've had some really heartbreaking stores over the years."

Ms Johnstone said they always tried to shop locally for their supplies and received support from churches in Fleetwood.

She said: "It's become part of our Christmas family tradition now - I love it.

"I love meeting our kind volunteers – this event really pulls the good people out of the woodwork, selfless people who give back to the community but don't want anything in return.

"Sadly, I can't see a time when there isn't a need for this, because more and more people are spending time on their own at Christmas."

She said her children Noah, Isaac and Harley-Rose - respectively aged 14, 11 and six - enjoyed doing their bit to help.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.