A Durham restaurant, known for its high-quality food and attentive dining experience is set to open its doors to the needy this Christmas. 

The Cellar Door, located in a 13th-century riverside building tucked away on the main thoroughfare up to the cathedral, on Saddler Street, will be providing a Christmas Eve service for anyone who finds themselves needing it this year. 

Having never held a free Christmas Eve service in the past, owners at The Cellar Door were keen to do one this year to give back to the community "no questions asked". 

Management are expecting to be able to seat 50 people at the service, and spots can be booked by emailing tcd.durham@gmail.com. 

Marketing manager Abigail Parker said: "As we reach the end of 2023 we take some time to reflect on the year as it draws to an end. 

"As is the case for many people and businesses, this has been an exceptionally tough year while we still recover from the effects of the pandemic and the general economic climate.

"We have seen so many friends and neighbours come and go and do not take for granted how lucky we are to still be here. In the spirit of giving what we can at Christmas, we will be opening our doors on Christmas Eve from 7.30pm to provide a complimentary Christmas meal and soft drinks for anyone in need, no questions asked.

"Whether you bring along family, or dine on your own, we will do our best to accommodate as many as we can.

"These tables will only be bookable via email to tcd.durham@gmail.com so drop us an email with a preferred time, number of people and any dietary requirements and we'll confirm your table and take care of the rest."

Elsewhere in the region, people are coming together to try to help those in need. 

The new Dean of Newcastle Cathedral is opening the building to homeless people over winter to sleep and keep warm.

Lee Batson, from Essex, has only held the post for a few months and he has already made it clear his priority is the community.

He wants to make the cathedral a hub of spirituality and a positive force for change.

The Dean is keen for inclusivity to stretch not just around Newcastle but the entire diocese from Durham to Alnwick.