No empty tummies at Christmas dinner at St Peter Church in the City

FEAST: Community Christmas dinner preparations for 150-plus people at St Peter Church. Volunteer Elaine Blundell shreds meat for the meal. Photo/George Novak

More than 150 people attended the annual St Peter Church in the City Community Christmas Dinner tonight.

An army of volunteers prepped 20 kilograms of chicken, 19 hams, 15 litres of gravy and 20 litres of ice cream for the dinner.

Volunteer Elaine Blundell, who was in charge of carving hams, said she didn't have family of her own to spend Christmas with.

"So I come here. I love it. I love to see everybody having a lovely Christmas and dinner," she said.

Christmas dinner co-ordinator Esther Brignall said the dinner attracted all types: people who could not afford such a feast; people who did not wish to spend the evening alone; or travellers away from home.

"All year round we hear the bad news, especially around homelessness, but today is about giving back.

"It's wonderful to be able to do this."

The guests arrived, had a karakia and sat down to dinner.

While plates were being cleared for dessert, gifts were handed out to all children under 18.

"Everyone goes home with a full stomach," Ms Brignall said.