A COFFEE shop will throw open its doors on Christmas Day to give anyone in need a hot meal and some company.

Working with Darlington restaurant owner Georgios Latousakis, staff at Mangobean will give up their time to ensure there is a warm welcome for homeless and vulnerable people.

For the second year, the team will welcome those less fortunate to join them for a meal and refreshments.

There will also be information and advice available for anyone who may need support.

Manager Zak Ahmed said ‘survival packs’ made up of essentials including toiletries will also be handed out at the event.

This year’s event has been inspired by the success of the first one last year, which saw around 30 people pop into the shop to experience a touch of festive cheer.

Mr Ahmed said: “You don’t have to be homeless to come, anybody who wants to get away from whatever situation they’re in or who’s alone at Christmas is welcome.

“Many people will be spending time with family or friends but for some, that is not possible and all it takes sometimes is a change of scenery to make someone feel better.”

Urging the public to donate toiletries and essentials to help volunteers make up survival packs, he added: “I spoke to one gentleman about his situation and he explained that the struggles he faced weren’t necessarily about being able to eat or drink, but the real challenge was keeping warm and clean.

“We often take things like toiletries for granted and don’t always realise how costly and tricky they are to get hold of when money needs to be spent on essentials like food, or a warm and safe place to stay.”

Harvey Saunders, supervisor at Mangobean, said the previous year’s event had put many things into perspective.

He said: “Sometimes it’s easy to forget that not everyone is as fortunate as most of us are. I have a loving family, great friends and a roof over my head, so my problems seem trivial when hearing about what others are going through, especially at Christmas.”

Another supervisor, Alysse Liddle, said she had met people from all walks of life at the coffee shop at last year's event.

She said it was "amazing to see the love and togetherness especially on Christmas Day", with Mr Ahmed adding: "We want everyone to spread the word far and wide that Mangobean will be offering a helping hand to those less fortunate."

The event will take place between noon and 2pm. For more information, contact Mangobean.