HUNDREDS of families, friends and neighbours dined together at Big Lunch events in Basildon.

People enjoyed each others’ food and company at community lunches held at Lee Chapel North Community Centre, Laindon, and Northlands Park, Basildon.

About 150 people of all ages tucked in to food provided by the Leigh Chapel North holiday club and diamond club, as well as bouncy castles, singers and a disco, at the community centre.

Organiser John McKay said: “It was been brilliant. Food was not in short supply. Kids brought their grans and mums.”

Supermarket chain Asda and bank Halifax organised the event at Northlands Park, which raised money for the Tickled Pink cancer campaign and St Luke’s Hospice.