Villagers in Wolvercote enjoyed a spot of lunch and met their neighbours yesterday, as part of a nationwide event.

Other “Big Lunch” celebrations took place in Kidlington, Oxford Castle, Wantage and Longworth.

The event was started by the Eden Project Cornwall three years ago.

Its aim was to get as many people across the country to have lunch with their neighbours, and this year dozens of communities around Oxfordshire took part.

One of the biggest events was in Wolvercote, where hundreds of residents enjoyed sandwiches, tea and cake together.

Among them was 35-year-old Rachel Bolton, who was there with her husband Edward and daughter Dorothy.

She said: “It was really amazing, more and more people come each year. It was a pity about the weather later in the day, but earlier it was fab.

“It’s just a lovely way to get people together and everyone can meet their neighbours.”

As well as the food, residents could enjoy bobbing for apples, live music and a bouncy castle for the children.

The annual tug-of-war competition between police and residents ended in defeat for the local force.

Also enjoying themselves was Christian Hill, 42, with his wife Maria and friends from Birmingham, Aberdeen and Rugby.

He said: “We had a little bit of rain but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.”

Record numbers of people took part in the Big Lunch across the country.