EASTLEIGH town centre was packed with residents eager to share a meal together.

Dozens of people flocked to the Market Place precinct on Tuesday as members of the Asian Welfare and Cultural Association (AWCA) provided residents with a community meal.

The event was aimed at helping people in need and brining the community together.

Mohammed Mossadaq of AWCA said: "What is amazing is that we had more volunteers coming in to help. We had students who came in to help although they are on holiday and it just shows how much good there is. The day was amazing and we had a better turn out than last time."

As previously reported, a similar initiative was run in Eastleigh town centre few weeks before Christmas.

"For us it's a pleasure to see people here from different communities, different backgrounds, different places all sharing food together. We are not here for any financial or political benefit, it's just for the community," Mr Mossadaq said.

Students from Barton Peveril College volunteered during the day and attended the event along with members of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the town rangers.

More than £130 was also raised in support of local firefighters.

The food was cooked by the Southampton-based restaurant Sanjha while owners of the Eastleigh-based restaurant Steak and Spice let AWCA members use their kitchen.