THE spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Truro, with retailers and residents showing good will to those in need.

On Lemon Quay, Christmas market organisers provided a wooden cabin for Nick Cuthbert, who has been selling the Big Issue from his spot outside M&S for 20 years.

“It’s great – it makes me feel part of the market,” said Nick, accompanied by his black labrador Bracken. “A lot of buskers come out at this time of year, and this cabin helps me to reserve my spot.

“I also sell Christmas cards, which can be difficult to display in the rain – now I have a shelf to put them on, where they can stay dry.”

In High Cross, Ost restaurant will be open on Christmas Day for those in need. Owner Lou Rose was inspired by seasonal volunteer work in London: “My children would come along and talk to people. It was good for them to experience that, and as those who attended were often elderly and alone, they loved to chat.

“Having opened Ost in May, it seemed like a great opportunity to invite the community in. If people are on their own and can’t face cooking, there’s no shame in that - anyone can find themselves in that situation.”

Word has been spread through Truro Methodist Church, Truro Cathedral, Truro Food Bank, St Petroc’s, local schools and fliers in neighbouring stores.

Meals have been funded by pay-it-forward donations at £15 a head – Lou has received over 100, and asks that future donations be made to the Hidden Help charity shop in Bissoe. Lou has had 12 bookings so far, “but if you decide on the day, that’s fine”.

Legions of volunteers have signed up to help on the day, from serving food to making crackers. “The community has really got behind us - it’s amazing.”