A CAFÉ and community are joining forces to provide free dinners to people spending Christmas Day alone.

Dawn Wicks, owner of Café Ten, off Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester wanted to do something to help others and decided to cook ten full Christmas dinners for people in need.

Once others heard about the plan offers of help began flooding in.

Now they are aiming for 50 dinners with others receiving hampers and gifts.

She said: “I was talking to customers and there are so many people on their own for Christmas.

“I wanted do something for others but I will be with my family.

“So I decided to cook on Christmas Eve and deliver the meals so people can heat them up on the day.

“I talked to a few people and they started making donations.

“So far we are doing 28 already and are aiming for 50.

“People have volunteered to deliver them.”

She is planning to speak to supermarkets, shops and other businesses to see what people will donate.

“50 meals is probably my limit but if we get other donations we can make up hampers and gifts,” she explained.

“I want to help the elderly and when we sit down for our meal I will feel better knowing there are other people out there enjoying a meal who wouldn’t have been otherwise.”

Ward member Dave Harris praised the café and has made a donation to help.

He said: “Making and delivering meals to those who need it is a great idea and a lovely thing to do.

“It is very kind to help people on their own at Christmas.”

Anyone who would like to help the cafe or make donations can call Mrs Wicks on 07795 108428.