HOMELESS people in Newport were treated to a festive meal over the weekend thanks to the efforts of a local cafe.

Pritchie’s Cafe, based on Commercial Street, Newport, invited homeless people to enjoy a three-course meal on Sunday, and surprised their guests with festive gifts.

Around 31 people enjoyed unlimited hot drinks, a soup and roll for starter, a full Christmas turkey dinner and a dessert of chocolate gateau with coconut ice cream, all paid for by the cafe.

Donations from local businesses including B & M, Wilkinsons, the Malpas Road Spar and Malpas Unionist Club were given out on the day, including toiletries, hats and gloves.

Cafe owner Sue Pritchard, 53, of Bettws, has run the cafe for nearly two years and previously worked there under it’s previous name, ‘The Terrace’.

She said: “We decided to do this because we didn’t think anyone was doing anything for the less fortunate.

“It was a lovely day. everyone enjoyed themselves and were really grateful [...] They’re people with there own hopes and dreams and were telling us some of their stories.

“A lot of it was heartbreaking but they’re people as much as anyone else.”

She added: “They were all so happy and all seemed to know each other and there was a lot of chatter. I personally think it’s important to not just give at this time of the year but any time of the year.”

Staff member, Stacey Pitman, 27, of the Langstone area, said: “It was absolutely lovely and they were all really grateful and polite.

“There was a lot of chit chat and I couldn’t believe how happy they all were considering they have very little.

“There was definitely a community atmosphere and I think it’s a good thing to do for Christmas.”

At the end of the meal, homeless people were also treated to several gifts which came as a “surprise” to many of the visitors, Ms Pitman added.

“They didn’t know they were going to receive presents and thought they were just coming for a meal,” she said.

“Before they left, they wished us a ‘Merry Christmas’ and just couldn’t believe they could come in for a few hours”.

Staff at Pritchie’s Cafe are also planning to make their festive dinner an annual event.

The act of kindness was also acknowledged by the Newport West assembly member, Jayne Bryant.

She said: “The Christmas period is incredibly tough for people without a home and these last few weeks have been especially cold.

“Pritchie’s Cafe have shown a great example of their generosity and the strong commitment that exists in Newport to help others who are struggling.”

For more information search ‘Pritchie’s Cafe’ on Facebook.