A COFFEE shop will once again throw open its doors on Christmas Day to give anyone in need of a hot meal and some company – and this year it will be offering more than ever before.

Staff at Mangobean at Feethams in Darlington will give up their time to ensure there is a warm welcome for homeless and vulnerable people whilst everyone else is enjoying the festivities with their families.

Darlington restaurant owner Georgios Latousakis will once again be supporting the coffee shop by providing hot meat and vegetarian dishes, along with Estabulo, Brazilian Steakhouse restaurant located above Mangobean.

Sky Taylor, who runs a Barber’s shop on Victoria Road, will also be setting up inside Mangobean on the day offering free haircuts and giving away free products, and Dan Wilkinson will be performing live music.

This year’s offering, which will see the shop open between 12pm and 2pm, is the third time staff have opened on Christmas Day to support those less fortunate.

Manager Zak Ahmed said it was “heart warming” to see all the smiles on the faces of the people who visit them on the day.

“It is really great to give them a chance to talk to someone and to give them some company.

“It is not just for the homeless, it is for anyone who wants some company, or anyone who is alone on Christmas Day.”

The shop welcomed around 40 people last year on Christmas Day, and dozens of volunteers have signed up to help out this year.

Mr Ahmed said he hopes to stage the event more than just once a year, and he also envisages there may be a need to hold them in a larger venue if the numbers keep on increasing.

“We would love it if there was no one who was going without a hot meal on Christmas Day.

“Christmas is a time for giving and supporting and proving festive cheer, but these issues still exist all year round.”

Mr Taylor added: “I have had some bad times at Christmas, but for some people it is every year.

“Christmas Day is a long day, and for me it is not a lot to take a few hours out to help other people who are not as fortunate. I think everybody should try and do it.

“For some people there are nothing but bad memories of Christmas, hearing certain songs might tip someone over the edge.

“I’ve been cutting hair since I was 14 and professionally since I was 16. I am not bothered if I am there for longer than two hours on the day, I just want to help the people who needed it.”

For more information, contact Mangobean on 01325-464518.