VOLUNTEERS with first-hand experience accessing food banks are calling for people who are alone or facing financial hardship to join them for Christmas dinner.

The team behind Junction 7, in Newton Aycliffe, are organising a free traditional lunch with entertainment and games at the town’s Neville Community Centre on Christmas Day.

A project supported by the County Durham Tees Valley Rescue Mission charity, Junction 7 operates a food bank and a range of services to help residents in Newton Aycliffe.

This Christmas they are supplying tailored hampers for 11 families and are hosting the festive meal which can accommodate 100 people from 2pm.

Jane Johnson, of Junction 7, said: “Funding we received (for the Christmas dinner) was for social isolation but anybody, even if it is families who are struggling to pay for Christmas dinner, are welcome to come.

“All of us in the group have been there - we’ve had to use a food bank in the past and even now we will struggle. Nobody should be on their own at Christmas.”

Funds of £600 secured through the neighbourhood budgets of six county councillors have been bolstered by cash donated at two festive events organised by Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team.

A donation from brothers Harvey and Oscar Bagnall, who handed over their piggy bank at one of the events on Sunday, also inspired Tesco Extra to donate a further £100 worth of food.

Transport will be available on the day for diners who will be treated to a three-course meal followed by a Christmas quiz and a visit from Santa and carol singers.

Several people including Ms Johnson’s three children and fellow Junction 7 volunteers Simon Day, Sam Baldwin and Michael Wilson will be there to help out.

County Durham Tees Valley Rescue Mission set up in September last year initially with the aim of raising awareness of anti-human trafficking through talks and events.

The charity expanded in July this year when they were asked by Livin to support a scheme which saw Junction 7 prepare 1,208 packed lunches over a four week period for children in the town.

The housing association provided a house, 7 Silverdale Place, for the summer and have allowed the charity to remain there.

Since then Junction 7 has grown into an emergency 24-hour food bank offering food, sanitary products, clothes and even furniture for anyone living in the Newton Aycliffe area.

It operates with the support of The Trussell Trust, using the red voucher scheme, and also relies on donations.

It is open from 10am to 2pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

Ms Johnson said the food bank has experienced an increase in demand this month.

The charity is calling for more donations and is in need of a van to transport items.

For more information and to attend the Christmas Day event call Ms Johnson on 07804454471, email junc7tion@gmail.com or find Junction 7 at facebook.com/groups/355496618550253

Alternatively turn up on the day.