London Euston railway station hosts Christmas lunch for 200 homeless people

Guests were treated to smoked salmon, a bowl of soup, a roast and Christmas pudding

Tables were set out at Euston station and people were invited by the homeless charities St Mungo’s and Streets Kitchen (PA)

Scores of homeless people were given a Christmas lunch at London’s Euston railway station – which was turned into a shelter for the day.

Volunteers from Network Rail and charity workers decked out the concourse, which would otherwise have been empty as no trains were running, before laying on a festive feast.

A Christmas lunch of smoked salmon, a bowl of soup, a roast and Christmas pudding was served for desert to the 200 people invited.

“Special notice: Network Rail invites you to Euston Station. Merry Christmas!” read an arrival board.

One of the guests, Sharon, said she would have otherwise had to spend the day on her own.

“My support worker Christine told me about this a couple of weeks ago,” she told the BBC, adding that she had worn her favourite dress for the event.

“I knew I didn’t have anything to do,” she said. ”I would be at home on my own and at times you’re lonely, especially at Christmas.”

Sharon, who moved to London from the US two decades ago, said she had to give up work as a retail manager because of a leg injury, but hopes to return next year.

“I’m on the mend, I’ll definitely be dancing today,” she said.

Jon Glackin, from the charity Street Kitchen, volunteered on the day and said he “jumped at the chance to help”.

“People we’ve known over the years are coming along. Something we’ve always tried to highlight is empty buildings, for feeding people, for sleeping and for shelters,” he said.

Children from schools in the local area made Christmas cards to give to the guests. The 200 people were invited by homeless charities, St Mungo’s and Streets Kitchen.