Homeless people enjoyed a free meal thanks to kind-hearted shop workers and a restaurant which donated free food.

The Co-op stores, in Watford and Croxley Green, teamed up with Go Gula Cafe in Market Street to give people a home-cooked meal.

The Feeding the Homeless project was led by area manager Andy Tomlinson and was the brainchild of Enoch Kanageraj from the Leavesden Co-op.

The branch is one of the food share stores, which helps reduce food waste, and Go Kula is part of this scheme.

The curry was cooked at Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Garston, where Mr Kanageraj runs the community chaplaincy service.

He said: "Some were very quiet and just ate and left with a brief nod, not really sure what to make of what had just happened. Others were more chatty and happy to engage, hang around a while and 'chew the fat.'

"Some people were telling us how long it was since they had eaten anything at all; this was the first hot meal in a long while.

"Most people, having had plenty to eat and drink left with a package of food under their arm. When you're on the streets even a bottle of water is a luxury."

Outside, Homeless Warriors opened up two carts for people to get kitted out - donated sleeping bags and pop up tents to keep the chill out, thermals, jeans, t-shirts and toiletries.

The event will be held weekly.