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Heather Johnstone, her mum Christine Johnstone and their relative Gillian Ward invited guests to the Christmas dinner on December 25 at St Wultsan’s & St Edmund’s Church hall on Poulton Road in Fleetwood.

They started off with 20 people but knew they could accommodate up to 100, so they asked around to see if anyone else wanted to come.

The family started to hear about all sorts of people from across Fleetwood and the Fylde coast who had no one to spend Christmas Day with, often for very sad reasons.

Preparing for a Christmas Day treat - from left, Christine Johnstone, Gillian Ward, Heather Johnstone and Mark from Poulton' s Masonic Lodge.

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Before long they had 80 people for the meal and, remarkably, up to 40 volunteers who were prepared to help out with the feast on Christmas Day.

Now, the final preparations are being made for the meal this Sunday, which has been helped by generous food donations from across the community. after an online appeal.

Mum-of-three Heather, 33, a professional artist and a teacher at Montgomery High School in Bispham, said: “A lot of people called and we also heard about people from local groups and churches.

Gillian Ward with Sahid from Heron Foods, in preparation for a special Christmas Day meal in Fleeetwood

"It’s become really clear that a lot of people, particularly the elderly, are going to be all alone over Christmas.

"We’ve even had calls from people all over the country who thought we were in their area and have no one with them over Christmas.

"I know there are a lot more, too, because some people are really proud and don’t feel comfortable with getting something for free.

"They shouldn’t feel that way about this, though, it’s not about pride, it’ about people coming together at Christmas and enjoying food and company an not being alone. This is part of the true message of Christmas.

Heather Johnstone (centre) with mum Christine and son Isaac, aged eight

"Businesses and people in the community have been so kind in helping us, it’s been lovely.”

Heather was originally inspired by the plight of a relative who had to spend Christmas Day in hospital and she is hoping to make the meal an annual event.

Heather’s three children – Noah (11), Isaac, (nine) and little Harley-Rose, aged three, will also be doing their bit to help on the day.

Festive feast being served up to 80 lonely folk on Christmas Day - thanks to Fleetwood family