THREE friends from Raglan are hoping that people from Monmouthshire will joint them in hosting their own Big Lunch event in their street.

The event, held across the UK on June 1, is aiming to bring neighbours together.

Eleri Rosier, of Raglan, who helps to run the toddler group Cylch-Ti-a-Fi is joining forces with the organisers of Raglan Festival to host this year’s Big Lunch party.

Ms Rosier, 38, is hoping that a large-scale community event will help to not only boost the already-existing community spirit in the village but also bring together groups who wouldn’t normally interact with each other on a day to day basis.

She said: “I am really excited about being involved in The Big Lunch this year.

“One of my friends, Lucy Bradley, has recently started a Raglan Matters Facebook page in a bid to revive the spirit of the community throughout the village.”

“The Facebook page has really brought together residents from all walks of life and The Big Lunch will help us to encourage those people to socialise and get to know each other even more.

“We hope the event will encourage the entire neighbourhood to come together, network, make new friends and have some fun at the same time.”

The initiative is now in its sixth year and receives its funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Sir Tim Smith, founding director of the Eden Project and co-founder of The Big Lunch said: “We wanted to create the excuse for each of us to get over the shyness of knocking on a neighbour’s door for a street party.”

To receive a free pack containing invitations, posters, seed, bunting and templates go online and visit the event's website at visit www.thebiglunch.com.

If you are planning on hosting a Big Lunch in your street, get in touch with the Free Press by phoning 01633 777212.