On Christmas Eve, Birmingham’s homeless can enjoy a free, takeaway, three-course meal outside New Street station.

While most people can spend Christmas with family and loved ones, others can face a lonely and bleak time.

This is the fourth Christmas running that Network Rail has teamed up with the Sikh charity, Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) to provide hot food and festive cheer.

The Birmingham-based charity, the Community Relief Foundation (CRF) will provide hot drinks.

Between 6 pm and 9 pm on Christmas Eve, MLSS and CRF volunteers along with Network Rail staff will serve up to 250 people with a three-course festive vegetarian meal, gifts, and enjoy an evening’s entertainment.

To control the spread of coronavirus, this year’s event will be outside the station on the station’s eastern plaza by the taxi rank, with a queuing system in place

Steven Ireland, head of stations and security for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “We’re really excited to be back hosting what’s becoming a firm fixture for us in the festive calendar, our Christmas Eve meal in conjunction with the Midland Langar Seva Society.

“While we had hoped to be back on the concourse inside in the warm, the changing Covid-19 situation means the safest and surest way to make sure the event goes ahead is to follow our tried and tested take-away plan from last year. We can’t wait to see people again and spread some festive cheer for those struggling on the streets this Christmas.”

Parmjit Singh, Midland Langar Seva Society co-founder, said: “It’s great to be back working with Network Rail and local businesses which have made donations for this year’s Christmas Eve meal at the station. It really is a highlight for people who find themselves living on the streets in the city at what can be a very tough time for them. We’re determined to give them a Christmas to remember with carols, food and friendly faces – and even presents from Santa.”