UNITING the community and putting people in touch. That’s what organisers of the Big Lunch, a summer feast of food and fun in Feltham last Sunday, hope will achieve.

An estimated four million communities across the UK sat down at the weekend for a Big Lunch with neighbours they might not previously have known, as part of Halifax’s Helping Britain Prosper Plan.

The Centre in Feltham was a hive of activity, with 300 people in attendance, enjoying a range of food, raffles and tombolas.

Organiser Dweeja Patel said: “We have never done a big event like this before and I think everyone involved really enjoyed it. We are looking forward to doing it again next year.

“We managed to raise more than £800 for the Alzheimer’s Society, which is a big bonus.”

To reward those who gave extra and organised an event for their neighbours, Halifax made available 10,000 free Big Lunch boxes, containing themed balloons, bunting, table cloths, plates and cups, to create a real party atmosphere.

Halifax is helping people give extra in their communities, whether hosting a Big Lunch event, or making their community a better place to live. To recognise and reward people who are giving extra, Halifax is rewarding members of the public who make one of four pledges at www.halifax.co.uk/pledge