Hundreds of homeless people were given Christmas dinner when a city centre pub opened its doors for a special festive event.

Earlier this month the M.E.N. told how the Old Nags Head, in Jacksons Row, off Deansgate, planned to open on Christmas Day to bring some festive cheer to the city’s homeless.

Now pub landlord Sean Brett has declared the event a huge success, and says he plans to organise it again next year.

The pub was inundated with donations of clothes, food and other items to give away to the homeless on Christmas Day.

He says more than 300 people have passed through the pub during the day, enjoying some food and drink as well as being given donations.

There was also a hairdresser on hand to cut people’s hair.

A number of homeless people were taken to FC United’s ground in Moston on buses laid on by the club this morning, before being taken back to Manchester this afternoon, with many heading to the pub for the event.

Sean said: “It has been absolutely fantastic. We had 350 people through the doors.

“In the end we had far too much stuff to give away. People were still turning up during the day and donating things.

Watch: Helping the homeless at FC United on Christmas Day

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“We had clothes, toiletries, and other brilliant things like radios. The fire service came and donated 60 survival packs as well.”

More than just enjoying Christmas dinner, Sean says he thinks what most people took out of the experience was the opportunity to socialise with others.

He added: “They all enjoyed their food, but most of all they really enjoyed the company.

“A few said it was the best Christmas they had had in 20 years.

“It has been brilliant, we are definitely going to do it again.”

Sean and two members of his staff from the pub organised the day, after receiving donations and offers of help from volunteers.

The 53-year-old says he has been overwhelmed by the level of support he has received since announcing he would open the pub on Christmas Day.

The MEN has pledged to support and publicise the Manchester Homelessness Charter at appropriate opportunities.

If you are affected by issues surrounding homelessness in any way, or if you want to do something to help, you can go to: streetsupport.net