VOLUNTEERS are preparing to sprinkle a little festive cheer by serving up free Christmas Day meals to about 100 guests at Musselburgh Baptist Church Hall.

Sarah Shearer, whose husband Graham is pastor at the church, said this was an increase on last year’s successful event for 50 people who enjoyed celebrating together on December 25.

She said the invitation for the three-course dinner, including turkey and all the trimmings, was extended to those who would be on their own during the festive season, local residents who might be in financial crisis, bereaved or families which had split up and could not afford a Christmas meal.

Mrs Shearer said: “Christmas is said to be the most joyful time of the year.

“For some, however, Christmas is lonely and difficult, especially for those struggling to meet their most basic needs, never mind organising a special meal.

“Company is such a huge thing at this time of the year. We want people to have a happy day, not sitting at home alone.”

A team of about 20 volunteers will prepare the dinner, with mulled wine served on arrival.

Everyone will leave with a food hamper as part of the initiative, which receives funding support from Musselburgh Area Partnership.

A crèche with toys will be provided and Mr and Mrs Shearer’s own five children are looking forward to the event, which gets under way at 12.30pm.

Mrs Shearer said: “We wish to implore those within the community to be aware of any individuals or families who are alone or struggling this Christmas and to tell them about our lunch – we would love to serve them.

“At Musselburgh Baptist Church we want to treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated – with respect, dignity and, most importantly, unconditional love.”

To book, email graham@musselburghbaptist.org or phone/text 07841839583. Vegetarians and food-related issues can be catered for.

There will also be two candlelit carol services at the church this Sunday, the first at 4pm at which there will be activities for children under five, and the second at 6pm.

The church also hosts a free three-course lunch for senior citizens aged 60 and over, followed by tea and cake, on the first Monday of each month from 12.30pm to 2pm in the hall. All single people and couples are welcome to attend the event, which also features a quiz.

An ‘open doors’ lunch of soup, rolls, tea, coffee and cake is served on the last Friday of every month free-of-charge for individuals and families from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

A Basics Bank is held at the church every Thursday from 10am to noon offering food donations to people who are officially referred, but ‘blessings bags’ containing food are also given out to those in need.