VULNERABLE people who have been braving freezing temperatures on Oxford’s streets received a special Christmas meal today.

Dozens of homeless men and women enjoyed the festive feast at the Asian Cultural Centre in Manzil Way, East Oxford.

Billy Carella, who has been living on the streets for seven years and claims he regularly spends nights in an Oxford graveyard, was among those who were fed by volunteers from a soup kitchen based at the centre.

Mr Carella, 56, who dressed in a red Santa hat for the meal, paid tribute to Icolyn Smith – known to regulars as Sister Smith – who has been feeding the homeless for two decades.

He said: “I think the soup kitchen is brilliant.

“I love Sister, her roast potatoes are to die for. My mum can’t even make roast potatoes like that. She is brilliant.

“It’s cold on the streets, but it’s okay. I’ve got a -20C sleeping bag and I don’t think it will ever get down to that. I’ve got a bivouac bag and roll mat, like Ray Mears on the television. I can lie on anything with that and it’s okay, the moisture doesn’t get in.”

Miss Smith, a former carer from Kelburne Road, Cowley, served roast turkey, beef and mince pies.She said: “When I started here no-one wanted the homeless, but when people are in need, you should help them. They are lovely lads, very nice. It makes them feel like someone cares for them.”

Antonio Jones, 44, sleeps on the streets around Magdalen Road, East Oxford. He said: “I’ve been homeless for three-and-a-half years and they do splendid food here. Miss Smith is amazing.

“It’s sub-zero temperatures at the moment. It’s cold but I’m surviving, just about. Homelessness is an issue that needs to be attended to.”

Kevin Phillips, 38, added: “When it’s cold, you really need this food.”

Rob Williamson was homeless for 10 years and was a regular at the soup kitchen until he turned his life around two years ago.

He said: “I came out of prison and thought I could either go on living like I was or make a change, so I did.

“I thought I would come down and see everyone. This place binds people together. You get people from all walks of life.”

Volunteer supervisor Charlie Boscott, who was homeless for 13 years from the age of 14, added: “There was no-one for me when I was growing up so I’m going to make sure there is someone for them.”