Christmas lunch served at cinema for those alone

Wendy Goldie said the team hoped to build on the success of last year's event

Christmas Day lunch is going to be served at a cinema for the second year running, after its success last year helping those feeling lonely or struggling during the festive season.

The Arc Cinema in Daventry is due to host about 40 local residents for a free hot lunch with all the trimmings, and conclude the day with a film screening.

Sally Stroman, who volunteered at last year's event in west Northamptonshire, said: "Helping [lonely residents] represented true Christmas spirit."

Cinema manager Wendy Goldie said it was "great to give something back to the community, and there are a lot of lonely people at Christmas".

Last year, a national supermarket donated much of the food used in the Christmas lunch

The event is being supported by a local business, which has arranged catering facilities to allow meals to be cooked in-house, and volunteers will staff the venue to ensure the day runs smoothly.

Speaking about last year's lunch, Ms Stroman said: "Christmas can be a difficult time - and throwing the doors open to people on their own or in difficulty, and to see them in company and enjoying [the day], was truly special."

This year's lunch begins at 12:30 GMT, and the cinema will open to the public for more films from 16:00.

The Arc Cinema in Daventry is opening its doors on Christmas Day