PEOPLE with nowhere to go on Christmas Day are being offered a free Christmas dinner and a conversation at shopping centre café

Christmas can be a lonely time of year but the Peterlee community is pulling together to ensure no one goes short of a sprout and someone to talk to.

The team at Café Eden, located in the heart of Castle Dene Shopping Centre, will be rolling their sleeves up for a second year and spreading festive cheer to 60 guests on Christmas Day who would have otherwise spent the day at home alone.

Café owner, Heidi Pratt, has recruited a team of 20 volunteers to help serve her serve up turkey and all the trimmings, as well as organising a team of drivers to ensure all guests have a free return journey home.

Heidi said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year for many of us, but unfortunately for a minority it can be a really lonely experience.

“Last year was such a huge success last year we decided we just had to do it again so my regulars don’t have to spend Christmas alone. Christmas should be a happy time for everyone, not just those with families around them.

“We still have places spare so if yourself, a friend or a family member is going to be spending Christmas alone this year, please get in touch with us.”

Suzanne Chaney, centre manager at Castle Dene, says she was proud to have such loyal retailers that are so committed to the Peterlee community.

Suzanne said: “With over nine million people suffering from loneliness in the UK at present, it is important that we raise awareness and help those around us.

“Heidi has done a superb job organising this once again and I am thrilled it has become an annual occurrence.”

The event, which will take from noon to 2.30pm is funded entirely by café owners and people are being encouraged to donate a small gift for the present exchange.

To book a place call contact 07979 140522. For information on more events at Castle Dene visit www.castledeneshoppingcentre.co.uk.