NEIGHBOURHOODS across the county will tuck in to lunch today as part of a nationwide Big Lunch initiative.

A series of picnics and street parties are being held across Hertfordshire to encourage people to meet their neighbours.

The Big Lunch is the idea of Eden Project founder Tim Smit and Paul Twivy who hope millions of people will get together to share food, drink and conversation.

More than 6,000 Big Lunch events will take place across the country, reviving a great British tradition of street parties like those held to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and VE Day in 1945.

Harpenden mother Catherine Marke will be bringing together the young and old in Park Rise.

The 31-year-old told the Review she is hoping to get the community spirit going in the area, and sees it as opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other.

She said: “We are holding it in the same part of the road as the last street party in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee, some of those expected to attended lived here at that time.

“Most wouldn't have even been born then so I saw this as the perfect opportunity to organise another one.”

Neighbours can enjoy food, arts and crafts for children, games for adults including giant jenga, a cake stall, a raffle and the chance for people who have never met to get to know their neighbours.

More information about the national event can be found at www.thebiglunch.com.

Are you holding a Big Lunch street party in your area? Tell us below.