A NEWPORT mother of five is taking time out of her busy festive preparations to serve a Christmas meal to local homeless people.

This is the first time that Kelly Probert-Wilmott, 37, has held the event, but she said it has always been an ambition of hers to host it.

She plans to feed around 100 people a Christmas dinner and a dessert at the car park behind Newport’s Job Centre, off Talbot lane, on December 22, at 7pm.

She also plans to offer tea and coffee, Christmas crackers and a gift bag containing useful items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hat, scarf, gloves, socks and shower gel.

Mrs Probert-Wilmott, from Ringland, said: “I want to let homeless people know that they are not forgotten at Christmas and make sure that they still feel part of the local community.”

She explained that she once spent two nights on the streetsand realises how hard it can be.

A friend has given her the use of a hotdog van to allow her to keep the food warm for serving, and she has ten people who have volunteered their time to help her on the day.

Also Gibbos Fish Bar on Cromwell Road are providing have provided her roast potatoes and sausages for the event.

She has been going out in the evenings to speak to local homeless people to make sure that they know where to go for the Christmas dinner.

As the event is self-funded, she is now collecting donations of either money that will be used to buy food or items for the gifts bags.

She said: “If the community can donated even a small item or donation. Everything counts and will help make this event a success for local homeless people.”

She is being supported by Newport City Church and people wishing to drop in items can do so there between 10am and 2pm, any day but Monday and Saturday when the church is closed. Or people can email Mrs Probert-Wilmott on kellypw15@gmail.com or find her on Facebook.