A dedicated group of volunteers held a Christmas dinner for homeless people in Folkestone yesterday (Sunday).

The Action for Homelessness charity fed 33 people at the festive meal thanks to donations and support from businesses and residents.

Diners tucked into a traditional Christmas meal and volunteers even handed out a small gift.

Liz Baxter, one of the volunteers, said the event was a huge success, the food was delicious and the charity are grateful for support.

She said: "Our dinner went really well but I have to say 'hats off to Pam Jones', who did most of the cooking, and most of the running around, she really is brilliant."

Action for Homelessness in Folkestone has been running for a year. Volunteers hit three streets three nights a week to provide a meal for rough sleepers in the town and on an average night the team can help up to 28 people.

They also provide clean clothes, sleeping bags, tents, toiletries and any other essential items that have been generously donated.

Liz added: "I remember my first day we met a man in his 70s who had been made homeless that day and there are two ex-military people we help.

"Homelessness can affect anybody. They might have lost their job or their support network and just ended up on the street.

For more information or to support the charity visit their Facebook page here.

For the full story, see this week's Folkestone and Hythe Express.