Lunch plan to unite communities

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Communities across the country are being urged to come together for lunch this summer.

The Eden Project in Cornwall hopes its Big Lunch on 19 July will "break down barriers" and help people make new friends.

Tens of thousands of vegetables, fruits and flowers were used to construct a giant invitation in Convent Garden, London on Monday.

The produce was later given away to charities and passers-by.

Eden Project chief executive Tim Smit said: "Imagine a summer's day on which millions of us, throughout the UK, sit down to have lunch together with our neighbours: in the middle of our streets, around our tower blocks and on every patch of common ground.

This will be a day to break bread with our neighbours, to put a smile on Britain's face Tim Smit, Eden Project chief executive

"The food, entertainment, music and decorations we will have grown, cooked, or created ourselves.

"This will be a day to break bread with our neighbours, to put a smile on Britain's face."

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said she hoped it would become a regular event.

She said: "The Big Lunch is a great opportunity for people to get together and spend time with their neighbours, friends and families.

"As well as being good fun, events like this help build stronger communities. It promises to be a great day and I hope one that will become an established date in the calendar."

The event is being supported by MasterCard, EDF Energy and the Royal Mail Group.