BRINGING together an army of 150 volunteers, 500 diners, almost 100 turkeys and more than a tonne of vegetables, the Oxford Food Bank Christmas lunch is back.

Taking over the King’s Centre in Osney Mead for a third year running on Tuesday, this year’s festive feast is set to be the best yet.

Last year’s meal saw 100 volunteers make half a tonne of smoked salmon and cook 70 turkeys to feed more than 500, and this year’s is set to be even bigger.

The exact menu is always unknown until the few days before Christmas, because the team have to wait and see what donations come in to the food bank, but they expect to be cooking more than five tonnes of food.

And, as an extra treat this year, a large contingent of Syrian refugee families are making dessert.

The event all began when Oxford Food Bank volunteer Sara Strong noticed that every Christmas Eve her team would get more than five tonnes of food, but the charities they supplied shut down on Christmas Eve.

So she decided to put it to good use.

Mrs Strong, 57, a part-time horse dentist, works full-time on preparations from October onwards with the help of her husband Tony, and their children Tom, Harry and Ollie.

She said: “The meal is not just about the food, important though that is: it’s about sharing the spirit of Christmas, making everyone feel welcome.”

Presents and gifts are given to children and they also supply hot showers, supplies and pet care\.

The 150 volunteers help create a festive, inclusive and community atmosphere.

They also act as taxi drivers for guests, performers, hosts and more.

Mr Strong, 56, a writer, said: “We’ve got caricaturists, balloon artists, musicians.

“We’re also looking for a ballet dancer to be the sugar plum fairy and up-close magicians.”

Apart from that, the team have already reached their volunteer quota for this year.

Mr Strong explained how the lunch is for everyone who wants to spend Christmas in a warm, welcoming environment.

He added: “One of the things we work quite hard at is not saying that if you come to this lunch you must be in need or lonely.”

He quoted one guest as saying: “If it wasn’t for you, I’d be on my own just at the time when society makes you feel like a bit of a failure for not having anyone to share Christmas with. Thanks to you, I get to go to the nicest meal of the year instead.”

Michelle Fernandez, general manager at the King’s Centre, added: “The Christmas dinner has helped so many people and touched the hearts of many more across Oxfordshire.”