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Venues across Northern Ireland are preparing to open their doors for community Christmas dinners - for those who might otherwise be alone, or who may just fancy doing something different on Christmas Day.

Ian Bothwell, director of Crossfire Trust in Darkely, South Armagh typifies the outlook of many of those who are giving up a quiet day at home in order to serve others.

"We are also aware of people who have had bereavements during the year and don't want to do the traditional home Christmas Day event and it is ideal for them to come here," he told the News Letter.

Local farmers and supermarkets have kindly donated the food.

They are very encouraged that so many guests from previous years have indicated they will wish to come back this year "to talk to their neighbours and make new friends".

He added: "It is very relaxed and it suits the whole community because we have one room where people can watch the King's Speech at 3pm and another where people can gather round the fire and the piano and sing carols."

The charity is even offering a minibus collection service to anyone within a 15 mile radius.

The day's events begin with morning coffee and fresh scones at 10am and traditional Christmas dinner starting at 1:30pm.

"Then in the afternoon people can relax in front of the fire until high tea is served around 6pm."

People from the following areas have already indicated they are coming - Killyleagh, Markethill, Newtownhamilton, and also some from Crossmaglen, Dromore Co Down and Lisburn.

"So it going to be a wonderful mix of people - enriching and refreshing.

"The house is big enough for people to have a corner to themselves if they prefer. It will be homely and relaxed. And it is all free."

Following are details of all known venues. It is suggested anyone interested in attending should call first to assist with planning.

• Crossfire Trust, 95 Darkley Rd, Keady, Co Armagh BT60 3AY, tel: 028 3753 1636

• The People's Kitchen, based at 1 Antrim Road in North Belfast, open from 11am until 2pm, tel: 07840853089

• Foodstock, This team is not running anything on 25 December but is distributing free Christmas dinners across west Belfast on Christmas Eve. Contact [email protected] or calling 07794304259.

• City Church Belfast / Common Grounds Café, (includes Halal and vegetarian options) 12-24 University Ave, Belfast BT7 1GY, tel: 028 9023 8443

• Bengal Brasserie, 455 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 3GQ, tel: 028 9064 7516

• Gateway Club, Newry, 20 Kilmorey St, BT34 2DE, tel: 07783 671217

• Kingdom Youth Club, 10 Dunaval Rd, Kilkeel, BT34 4JT, tel: 028 417 63681

• Belfast Temple, Salvation Army, 110 Cregagh Road, Belfast, BT6 9ES, [email protected], tel: 028 9045 4466

• The Salvation Army centre in Larne, 71 Main Street, BT40 1JE, [email protected], tel: 02828 267 088

• Belvoir Community Hub, 7-8 Drumart Dr, Castlereagh, Belfast BT8 7AG. Call James on 07738081992 or email [email protected]

• Ballynafeigh Methodist Church & Rosario Youth Centre Belfast, 338 Ormeau Road - no booking required. 12pm-2pm

• St Patrick’s Church Hall, St Patrick’s Lane, Whitehead, BT38 9QF. Call Noel on 07926 361201.

• Send any further venues to [email protected] to be added online.

Northern Ireland community Christmas dinners - no need to endure loneliness on Christmas Day