SNOW was falling, all around – but there was warmth and good cheer in abundance at a Newport cafe this afternoon, as it hosted a festive meal day for the homeless.

Pritchie’s Cafe, in Commercial Street, was a hive of activity as dozens of people came to enjoy a free three-course Christmas lunch, and staff and volunteers worked hard preparing the food in the kitchen, and serving it out front.

This was the second time that the cafe, run by Sue Pritchard, of Bettws, Newport, has hosted a Christmas lunch for the homeless, and it was a something of a family affair this time around, with relatives coming along to help out.

“Last year was busy, but this year is busier, and it has been brilliant,” said Mrs Pritchard. who has run the cafe for two years and worked there under its previous incarnation as The Terrace.

“I just feel like not a lot is done for the homeless, but that this is something we do to help.

“It’s been a really good atmosphere and it’s great to hear people chatting, laughing, having a good time.

“Everyone here has a story behind their homelessness, and while some have hostels to go to at night, others don’t. They are sleeping out.”

As well as hot drinks, the menu included soup and roll to start, a full Christmas turkey dinner, and chocolate gateau for dessert.

And as well as a good square meal, all of the guests were given presents and a bag of food to take away with them.

“We’ve had some great support from some local small businesses and our regulars have helped out through a raffle we have held,” said Mrs Pritchard.

Lucy Stoneman, Mrs Pritchard’s niece, and one of the volunteers, said the gifts include items such as hats, scarves, thermal gloves and socks.

“It’s like a little survival kit of essentials and hopefully these will make a real difference, especially with the weather we’re having now and with winter here,” she said.