Members and volunteers at the Salvation Army served up a feast for about 70 people on Boxing Day.

The meal was enjoyed in the warm interiors of the church’s temporary premises, the former Fairfield school in Douglas, where diners tucked in to a roast and enjoyed the company of many others.

The meal was both donated and cooked by The Sefton Group.

This annual event began at midday to provide some aid to those in isolation or struggle at this time of year. It is also part of the church’s Christmas Relief Programme which includes a toy appeal.

Gifts

The toys are donated by members of the public who drop them off to branches of the Isle of Man Bank to be later picked up and sorted through before wrapped and sent to children who need them.

Last year 516 gifts were delivered to households around the island.

The Salvation Army helped 1,900 people with vouchers, food and meals and fed about 50 people on Boxing Day in 2017.

Lieutenants Dylan and Rachael Nieuwoudt helped lead the Boxing Day event for the first time this year.

The couple, who have been married for 13 years, are the new commanding officers of the Salvation Army in the island.

Their last post was in Wales.

Lieutenant Dylan said: ’We aim to support our community with the gift of food, rather than going hungry.

’ We strive to give people good company, rather than being alone over the festive season.

’Ultimately we want to provide the gift of love, which was freely offered to all humanity - as taught by the Christmas story.’

The couple will continue to run luncheon clubs and other social events and services into the new year.