Free dinner for Christmas Day in Tauranga

St Peters Anglican Church volunteer Brian Brown has been helping prepare Christmas dinner for years. The church is offering it's annual free dinner again this year. Photo/file

A free Christmas dinner is on offer for anyone looking for company in Tauranga next week.

St Peters Anglican Church is preparing for their annual Christmas day dinner, where it offers a seat at a table for anyone.

Previous recipients have including an extended family, a group of single women from overseas, a widow, a homeless man and a middle-aged chap on his own.

The St Peters Free Christmas Dinner has been running over the last 27 years.

This year St Peters are repeating the ham and chicken meal, there will be presents for children and dessert to follow.

Rev Simon McLeay said: "The tables are starting to fill up, so please get your names in to the office this week if you can - (07) 578 9608."

"We have always managed to serve everyone who turns up, so don't be afraid to just come on the day, but we would love it if you could register", Rev McLeay said.

Last year the church had about 200 people seated and this year the same numbers are expected.

"It's my favourite part of Christmas", Rev McLeay said.