After working tirelessly throughout Christmas, Regina Peniston headed to Hamilton to host her eighth annual Boxing Day meal for the needy.

“We’ve served more than 60 people so far,” Mrs Peniston told The Royal Gazette in the middle of the afternoon outside the Jamaican Grill restaurant on Court Street.

“More will come after the football game and the Gombey people can stop by too,” added the waitress from St David’s, a former drug addict who vowed to help the community after turning her life around.

Having woken up at 2.30am on Boxing Day, the 52-year-old worked non-stop to ensure anyone passing by could enjoy a hearty festive meal — with items on the menu including mac and cheese, rice and peas, turkey, stuffing and gravy.

“I like to make sure everyone’s full, and I never turn them away if they want more,” said Mrs Peniston, whose husband Bill delivered meals to those who couldn’t make the dinner.

“Everybody’s been happy and thankful, and I plan on doing it again next year,” she added.

“I take care of them and they take care of me. This is my Christmas.”