Lunch with the neighbours

Sandra Whelan ( centre ) with her neighbours and friends at her home in Middleton Road, Chadderton for the Big Lunch Event

RESIDENTS from across Oldham came together on Sunday to enjoy a Big Lunch with their neighbours.

The idea was to get as many people as possible across the UK to spend a few hours with their local community, to create friendships and fun.

It is believed the third annual event — launched by the Eden Project and funded by the Big Lottery — had a record number of people taking part.

Friends of Cherrywood in Chadderton enjoyed a big hog roast complete with a DJ, bouncy castle, magician and fire eater, while Sandra Whelan invited all of her neighbours and friends round to her Middleton Road home in Chadderton.

Asda, in Milne Street, held a joint venture with St Herbert’s, boasting rides and attractions.

Tim Smit, chief executive of the Eden Project, said: “It looks like more than a million people took part.

“From neighbourhood barbecues, to street parties, Big Lunches were held across the country, bringing neighbours closer together and creating a spark of community spirit.”