Christmas meal served to homeless at Birmingham New Street

The charity expects more than 250 people to turn up on Christmas Eve

More than 250 homeless people have been served a three-course Christmas Eve meal at Birmingham's New Street Station.

Hundreds of roast dinners and presents were offered for free to those who arrived at the station's concourse between midday and 15:00 GMT.

Midland Langar Seva Society said all were welcome at its annual event.

More families were expected to take part this year as the cost of living crisis continues, the charity says.

"This is a sad and lonely time for those who are homeless and struggling with mental health problems in the freezing cold, so it's not just about offering food," Randhir Singh from the charity said.

"It's about being made welcome, being part of something and feeding their souls.

"We help feed people all year, but we hope doing this on Christmas Eve makes them feel a little bit better."

Meat, vegetarian and vegan meals will be available, the charity says

Last year, the Walsall-based charity offered a takeout service due to Covid restrictions, but in 2022, tables and chairs are to fill the station concourse in agreement with Network Rail.

"We've had people come from Wolverhampton, Walsall and West Brom to get a warm meal, so we're expecting that again as well as more families as they are struggling too," Mr Singh explained.

"We will be out on Christmas Day too, offering people hot chocolate and pies - it's a hard time as people are missing their loved ones."