Queen Elizabeth’s Academy in Mansfield, part of Diverse Academies Learning Partnership, will once again host a Boxing Day brunch for the full Mansfield community after the success of its inaugural event last year.

The academy will be opening its doors from 11am to 2pm on 26th December. It is inviting anyone from the local community to join in free food, great company and festive entertainment. All children will have the chance to meet a special guest and will receive a gift for free.

Students, staff and members of the local community have volunteered to give up their own time to be on hand to serve guests and to join them in the festive celebrations.

Helena Brothwell, principal at Queen Elizabeth’s, said of the event: “We were delighted to put on this event last year.

“We were blown away by the number of visitors we had with over 140 guests including many of the homeless people in the town, elderly guests and families of our students.

“We want to exceed that in 2018 and continue to give something back to our local community – we know that the festive period can be tough on individuals and groups of people who maybe cannot be with their own family and friends at this time, so opening the academy to provide food and friendship is so important to us.

“It is also vital for our students to understand the importance of charity. It aligns with our Christian values here at the academy, and we embed strong morals and ethics amongst all children who attend Queen Elizabeth’s.”

The event is being supported by a number of local businesses, including Tool Hire Express in Mansfield, part of the Ashtead Group, which has made a significant donation towards the cost of food and gifts. If any other company would like to donate or volunteer to support the event, contact Miss Brothwell via email at [email protected]