VILLAGERS are being invited to get involved in a special family fun day and street picnic.

The Big Lunch event is being organised by housing provider Derwentside Homes, and will be held on Friday, May 29 at the Learning Hive in Harperley Gardens in Catchgate, near Stanley.

Visitors can expect to enjoy a shared lunch, face-painting, craft stalls, competitions and a mini sports day at the annual event, which is being run by staff from Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light.

The Big Lunch has been organised by 20-year-old Emma Dyson, who has just completed a one-year business administration apprenticeship at Derwentside Homes.

She said: “The Big Lunch is a great way of bringing the community together.

“There is already a fantastic community spirit in Catchgate and this event will hopefully encourage that even further and bring in people who are new to the area or haven’t been involved in community activities before.

“This has been the first time I’ve organised an event like this but I’ve really enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing everything come together on the day.”

Food and drinks will be provided by tenants from Castle Court in Annfield Plain, but residents are also being encouraged to bring food and snacks to contribute to the shared lunch.

For more information about the Catchgate Big Lunch, please call 01207 294057.