A CITY-CENTRE pub's kitchen will be used to cook a Christmas Day meal for the homeless.

The Spread Eagle, in Walmgate, stopped serving food earlier this year, making its ovens and hobs redundant.

However, manager Nick Cope has decided to fire them up once more and provide volunteers with a place to make food for whoever needs it on December 25.

The vegan food - which will include an African groundnut stew and gingerbread cake - will be cooked by volunteers from the Food Not Bombs group and served in St Helen's Square from 8pm.

"We had a chef here and when he left we decided not to do food any more, but when I found out Food Not Bombs were doing this I thought it was a great idea," said Mr Cope.

"I contacted them through their Facebook page because they were only using people's homes and moving around kitchens to cook, and I thought because the kitchen wasn't being used they could use it for free.

"It's sad for them, having nothing, no money and being on the streets, so this is a really good thing to do."

Food Not Bombs raises awareness of poverty and homelessness in society by sharing food and organising gatherings.

The organisation is made up of volunteers who offer their services each week to make food for those struggling to make ends meet throughout the year, and is cooking in The Spread Eagle three times a week.

Volunteer Zoe McBride, 20, said: "We go out every Friday and it just happens that Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year.

"It's free food and we are promoting solidarity, not charity.

"Anyone can come along and help."

To help cook food on Christmas Day meet at The Spread Eagle from 6pm.