Churchgoers who gave hours of their time to pack Christmas hampers for the hungry were rewarded at a special ceremony.

Volunteers from Colindale Food Bank, in The Concourse, Grahame Park, attended a reception at Westminster Palace organised by Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer.

It was held in honour of the 300 people from Jesus House, in Brent Cross, who packed 1,000 hampers to make sure people who could not afford Christmas dinner went without during the festive period.

MP Mike Freer said: “I am delighted to welcome volunteers from Jesus House to the House of Commons for a thank you reception.

“The Christmas Hamper initiative helps so many local people and it is only right that the excellent work of the church and the volunteers is recognised.”

The reception was followed by a tour of the historic grounds of Westminster Palace.

Foodbank project manager Ngozi Molokwu said: “As a huge supporter of Christmas Lunch on Jesus, each year Mike Freer effortlessly helps to pack over 1,000 hampers to be delivered to homes of the less privileged over Christmas.

“The entire team and its volunteers are delighted to attend this reception and on behalf of all of us we would like to say thank you for all your support."