While thousands of people tuck into a Christmas roast dinner one family will be running a soup kitchen in Wisbech for people in need.

Rosie Mitchell and her daughter Rebecca Peacock are appealing for donations to help get their plan on the road.

Mrs Mitchell said: “In this day and age nobody should be living in woodland, in toilets or on the streets yet we hear on a daily basis about people around here living like that.

“The weather is harsh. Providing food on Christmas day is the least we can do.

“Christmas has become so commercialised and lost the real meaning. It should be about being kind and showing love to other people. That’s what this kitchen is about and I shall enjoy it more knowing we are helping people that need it.

“The public support has been heart warming. Its only a small gesture to aid a huge problem but at least my family and friends can bring some relief.”

The kitchen will up and running from 11am to 1pm on Christmas Day at Bygones Cafe in Church Terrace thanks to the mother and daughter duo along with Sarah, Mark and Rhianna Overall, Chrissy Wright and his Russian girlfriend Oxi Wright who will help with any language barriers and Sarah Howling.

There will be no room to sit so it will be run on a take away basis and will serve soup, rolls, jacket potatoes and mince pies.

Any donations of warm clothing, polystyrene cups with lids, bread rolls, paper bags, cheese and crackers can be made to the Salvation Army charity shop in Union Place where Rebecca works.