AN inclusive charity is once again offering a free event so people don't spend Christmas Day alone.

Chester Pride has once again teamed up with one of its partners, Bank of America, to offer a free Christmas Day buffet meal for any member of the LGBT+ community and the wider community who may be facing Christmas day alone or simply can’t afford a Christmas meal.

This is the fourth year Chester Pride has held a free Christmas Day event, and will see guests able to enjoy a free Christmas buffet meal with hot and cold drinks served throughout the day and a few festive activities thrown in from 12pm onwards on December 25.

There is even a little festive gift and card given to all guests that join in.

To book a free space, email info@chesterpride.co.uk or call into the Rainbow Tea Rooms on Bridge Street, Chester.

Warren Lee Allmark, chair of Chester Pride, said: “We are very pleased to be able to bring back our Christmas Day event, that has grown in popularity since its launch four years ago.

"Whilst numbers have grown it is a sad reflection that some people are forced to spend Christmas Day along for a number of reasons, or as we have seen in recent months a cost of living having a huge impact on people’s ability to push the boat out for a treat.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer this space on Christmas Day once again thank to our volunteers who give up their Christmas Day to make sure others have a welcomed safe space to enjoy with other.

"One guest last year told me how she came out to her parents and sadly they decided this was not acceptable and saw their own daughter homeless – even worse, at Christmas. Thankfully, thanks to a local charity they managed to house her and we were able to provide her with a Christmas Day meal. This sadly is not an isolated incident and we see it all the time.

"I would also like to thank Laura and her partner Jason of the Scented Garden for their very generous donation of food last year that was very tasty and went down a treat with all of our guests.

"Should any business wish to donate food towards the event, please email me at info@chesterpride.co.uk . What’s also nice is any leftover food was packaged and distributed to the homeless in the city and to Share shop and Soul Kitchen.”