IT was standing room only at an Ellesmere Port community group's successful festive feast.

Community Interest Company the Port Grocery has now provided over one million free meals since it was set up.

To celebrate this occasion, the company hosted a Christmas-themed version of its regular Wednesday Welcome event at the Trinity Methodist Church, Ellesmere Port - with the first guest receiving The Port Grocery's millionth meal.

Staff and volunteers worked extremely hard from early in the morning to ensure everyone had a fantastic time.

Christmas meals by the plenty were dished out, with guests welcomed by a Santa – Frank Marnell from the Lions Club.

He was assisted by a Scottish Elf which was the Patron of the Port Grocery, Gordon Vickers, who later had the audience playing Play your Cards Right.

The whole event was filmed by Granada, which was shown on TV that evening.

The Wednesday Welcome serves over 300 meals a week. It offers the public a free meal, plus they are able to help themselves to food to take away and clothing.

The Port Grocery now has over 800 members. Over six tonnes of food a week is collected from local food companies then distributed through the Port Grocery.

Rita Lewis, founder and director of The Port Grocery, said she was delighted with the event, and is at the moment seeking to expand the project to other areas.

  • Anyone who is at a loose end on Christmas Day is invited to attend Hope Farm Methodist Church for a free Christmas lunch.

The event will be held between noon and 2pm.

Those interested should arrive for noon and must book a space beforehand by texting Kris on 07368 259495. All are welcome.