VOLUNTEERS are needed to feed refugees, the homeless and the needy a Christmas lunch made from Oxford Food Bank donations.

The King’s Centre in Osney Mead, West Oxford, will once again welcome more than 500 people to a free three-course feast on Christmas Day, cooked by volunteers using surplus food.

Oxfordshire’s largest venue has formed an official partnership with the food bank and volunteer group Oxford Christmas Lunch.

Sara Strong, of Oxford Christmas Lunch, said: “Last year we fed about 500 people and this year we hope to make the event even bigger and better, with a wider range of food and more entertainers walking around the tables.”

Last year guests were treated to a Christmas dinner cooked and served by volunteers and a video of the event was viewed 27,000 times on Facebook.

This year the event will involve more than 150 volunteers and is open to anyone in the community who would like to attend. Volunteers will also run a free taxi service, picking up guests from their homes.

Liz Buckle, trustee of the Oxford Food Bank, said: “Forming the three-way partnership has enabled us all to combine our skillsets and work more closely together, which will make the event stronger. We are proud to play a key role.”

Michelle Fernandez, general manager at the King’s Centre, said: “The Christmas dinner has helped so many people and touched the hearts of many more across the county. The partnership provides the Oxford Christmas Lunch with peace of mind that it has a big enough venue to host more than 500 guests.”

Last year The Oxford Food Bank collected five tonnes of food in the three days running up to Christmas. It was cooked by volunteers under the direction of Max Rapacz, head chef at The King’s Centre.

Mr Rapacz said: “There was a special atmosphere last year and sharing is what Christmas is all about. The food that’s been donated is mostly fresh or would have gone to waste, so we only find out what food we have on Christmas Eve. We prepare menus late but we always manage.”

Volunteers including minibus drivers are needed. Email sara@oxfordchristmaslunch.org