Bury St Edmunds Gatehouse hosts successful Christmas Day lunch for just under 100 people at St Benedict's Catholic School and deliver 678 hampers to those in need

A foodbank charity in Bury St Edmunds hosted another successful Christmas Day meal for those in need.

Gatehouse, based in Dettingen Way, organised the Christmas lunch at St Benedict's Catholic School where just under 100 people sat down to eat their three course meal which included a roast dinner and Christmas pudding.

Charity CEO Amanda Bloomfield said: "It was lovely and the volunteers were really helpful.

"Everyone was really grateful. They said it was fantastic to meet up with old friends on Christmas Day and they enjoyed the company and the warmth."

The food was supplied by Roff Caterers, Thomas Ridley, Waitrose and Hall Farm.

This year's festive lunch was also Jim Herrington's last as chef which he had been doing for the past 21 years.

Over the festive period, 678 hampers were given to families and individuals in need – boosted by the Bury Free Press' campaign.

Amanda added: "A huge thank you to all the community that donated, the volunteers who helped on the day and the run up to Christmas. And just a big thank you to everyone who supported Gatehouse in 2022 and we look forward to rising to the new challenges in 2023."

Amanda does predict that demand for the foodbank will pick up, but the charity is doing all it can to help those who may be struggling.

"In the next few months as the days get colder and people are feeling the pinch a bit more we are expected an increase in the demand for the foodbank," she added. "

We are also opening a warm space on Tuesdays for free soup, a roll and refreshments."