Some 165 East End residents enjoyed a hot dinner with dessert, courtesy of a partnership between police and St George’s Parish Council.

“It was a big success and very well attended — we’re hoping to make this an annual event,” said Senator Renee Ming, of the ‘Post-Christmas but Pre-New Year’s Community Dinner’ last night.

In fact, so many people attended that fellow organiser Pc Terry-Lynn Paynter had to make a trip for extra takeaway boxes.

The event was held free of charge at Open Doors Christian Fellowship Church Hall in St David’s — for residents of Gulfstream and other emergency housing units, as well as the Ferguson Park senior units.

Guests were given full meals that they could take away and enjoy wherever they pleased.

The dinner was a joint initiative between the parish council and the Eastern Division Bermuda Police Service, said council member Thomas Harvey — using funds raised by the council in last month’s trash collections.

“Pc Paynter should be commended for her efforts, as she worked very hard on ensuring the success of the dinner,” Mr Harvey added.