A café in Ripon city centre is offering free food and drink to people in need this Christmas.
Claro Lounge on Ripon Market Place will be opening on Christmas Day from 10am until 1pm, offering free soups, coffee and beer.
The aim is to provide a safe and warm “hub” for people who may be feeling lonely, vulnerable or a bit down on Christmas.
Ryan, the Assistant Manager at Claro Lounge, said:
“This is for anyone who is feeling a little bit lonely during what is quite a difficult time for some people - it’s just an opportunity for them to have a chat with someone.
“As a business, we’re not doing it for profit, all of it is free. It’s just about creating a warm space.”
He added:
“It’s for anyone who has lost someone this year or lost someone at this time of year and could do with a warm safe hub to come, to get out of the cold and to enjoy themselves.
“We want to be part of the community. Ripon has given us a lot of love over Christmas, and so we’re going to give a little bit of love back.”

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