VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help feed the town for this year's annual feast.

Reading Town Meal relies entirely on people giving up their free time to help feed more than 1000 hungry residents.

The food is prepared by college students but organisers need people to help grow produce and serve tasty meals.

Emily Shaw, volunteer coordinator, said: “I am new to Reading myself and excited about being involved in my first Town Meal.

"This community event simply cannot run without volunteers so please sign up to help make 2017’s meal the biggest and best yet . Don’t worry if like me you’ve never been to the meal, or perhaps not volunteered before. You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive team committed to making sure everyone (volunteers included) has a brilliant day.”

Residents can help out by growing food and donating it the the community group or by signing up to collect food which has been donated.

Other roles include supervising parking on the day, shaking buckets or helping take down the marquee.

Sharon Fitton, chair of the Reading Town Meal steering group, added: “We want this year’s meal to be our biggest and best yet. People can help to make that happen in so many ways.

"Even if you’re not around on the day itself, how about pledging some of what you are growing in your garden or allotment to help make the meal, assist with collecting the donated food in the week before or help raise awareness by promoting the event in the build-up.

"Of course, without a fantastic team of volunteers lending a hand on the day the Meal simply cannot go ahead."

The meal will held on September 30 in Forbury Gardens.