A FOOD bank that has served thousands of people in the county is already preparing themselves for their Christmas lunch.

For seven years the innovative Oxford Food Bank has served more than 60 charities in Oxfordshire and is now appealing for volunteers to help bring its festive lunch to life.

As many of the charities it supports close during the Christmas period, the food bank has taken it upon itself to fill the gaps and plans to serve the treat on Christmas Day from 12.30pm to 4pm at the King's Centre in Osney Mead.

The centre can accommodate up to 600 people, and co-founder of the food bank David Cairns MBE has urged residents to come forward if they would like to attend the event.

He said: "We hope this event will attract not just families struggling to cope with the cost of Christmas, or those who might be on their own on the big day, but anyone who wants to help tackle food waste and join in with a community celebration."

A team of hosts will be on hand to greet people, entertainment will be provided, and no one will leave empty handed but more volunteers are needed to help with transport and hosting.

Free transport is being provided to ensure as many people as possible can attend the festivities.

Mr Cairns added: "Most of all, though, we need people to help us spread the word, as those who most need to know about this lunch are those least likely to hear about it."

Earlier this year the food bank launched an appeal to raise £70,000 to help with its running costs.

Robin Aitken MBE, co-founder of the food bank with Mr Cairns said that with budget cuts the need for the service was even greater.

He added: "For example, Donnington Doorstep, in Townsend Square, they were our first customers.

"A couple of years ago they were saving about £20,000 a year from our donations which is quite a big deal.

"£20,000 is enough to pay for a part-time employee.

"When we started the food bank it was a system that just seemed obvious to us and why shouldn't we give people food who really need it, rather than see it get thrown away?"

For more information or to volunteer contact Cathy Howard at: catherine8@tiscali.co.uk or Sara Strong at: sarastrong@tesco.net