A PIONEERING new community initiative led by students at Darlington College will bring some Christmas cheer to homeless people in town this winter.

Led by catering tutor Dawn Cobb-Neate, students will be taking part in a project which will see First Stop clients enjoy a Christmas lunch at the College, a lunch at Truffle Restaurant and a cooking demonstration by one of the catering students.

Ms Cobb-Neate said the students relished the chance to work with community groups and make a difference, especially at Christmas.

As part of the project, cookery student Leba Drokka will host a cooking demonstration on cheap eating at First Stop and give clients some handy tips on cooking hearty, nutritious food on a budget.

Ten clients from First Stop will then enjoy a complementary pampering session at the College's beauty salon Elements before a festive lunch in the college Glasshouse restaurant.

Students will then have the chance to cook and serve a festive meal in Truffle Restaurant on Grange Road, with resident head chef Matthew Robertson.

Ms Cobb-Neate said: "This is a great opportunity for us to come together and make a real difference to people.

"We are very much looking forward to these events and I know our students are thrilled."