ILMINSTER’S more isolated residents are being asked to come together for a special free festive feast courtesy of a town centre business.

The Kitchen on Silver Street is playing host to up to 35 of the town’s more lonely or vulnerable members of the community, to make sure no one is alone during the colder months of the year.

Francesca Truss, owner of The Kitchen, said: “We just decided we wanted to give back something to the community and do a free Christmas lunch.

“It is for maybe the elderly or the vulnerable people, just people who are on their own and might not have as much family around at this time of year.”

As well as people being able to book a place for themselves, Francesca is encouraging families and friends to reserve a place for people they think may be isolated.

Then, The Kitchen crew are arranging to send out nicely presented invitations, which have seen a few thankful tears shed already.

Ms Truss added: “Bonner’s the Butchers has donated the turkey, and we just want everyone to come and have a fun Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.”

The event is set to run from 4pm until 6pm on Sunday, December 16, but there are a limited number of spaces so people should get in touch quickly.

To do so, call The Kitchen on Silver Street on 01460-57050.

Ms Truss said: “Give us a ring and we will write down their name, and if you are local then we can give a lovely invitation out.

“This is the first time we have done something like this. We feel there is a lot of elderly people in the area whose families do not live nearby.

“A lot of the time they are isolated and we don’t want that. We want everyone to have a nice time.

“We have plenty of spaces still available for people if they want to get in touch.

“Pick up the phone and ring us up or you can message us and we can send invitations out or just book them in if you want us to.”