A CHURCH is to open its doors on Christmas Day to feed the needy and those with nowhere else to go.

Reverend Anthony Roberts from Holy Trinity Church in Oswaldtwistle, is opening the doors of the church on Christmas Day to offer help to those in need.

Businesses and residents in the area have donated food to be used to cook the festive feast for guests.

This is the first time the church in Union Road has done such a project after Mr Roberts took over at the church 12 months ago.

The reverend said he had the idea after seeing the number of homeless people in need in Oswaldtwistle

Mr Roberts said: "We have been overwhelmed by people wanting to help, they have just been so giving.

"I just thought it was the right thing to do.

"Christmas is the hardest time of the year for the homeless and people in need.

"It is just so people aren't alone and to show there is someone there that loves them.

"It's absolutely phenomenal that we've got people coming along, but also heartbreaking.

"People go through lots of different emotions around Christmas time.

"It's not just happy, but people are feeling sad, alone, scared.

"We wanted to show the church is not just for Sunday service."

He said local Tesco stores, pubs and Whittakers butchers are among those who have donated goods to be used for the dinners.

Classic Christmas dinners along with Christmas puddings are being provided by the church and they are also offering halal options.

Mr Roberts said he has been working to help homeless people in Oswaldtwistle since he first came to the area and is pleased the reception the Christmas event has got so far.

The church in Union Road is to be open from noon until 5pm on December 25 to offer food to guests who have registered to attend.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, mayor of Hyndburn, said: "It is a wonderful gesture from the church.

"Congratulations to reverend Anthony Roberts and his team for making this available.

"It totally shows the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Oswaldtwistle."

So far around 20 people have signed up to come along later this month.

The church is still encouraging more people in need to come along on Christmas Day.

Anyone wanting to attend or wanting to book a place for someone they know should call 01254 383939.