A FISH and chip shop came to the rescue of Croydon Churches Floating Shelter to feed the homeless on New Year's Eve.
McDermott's Fish and Chips, in Forestdale, fed the shelter's visitors and volunteers after the team unexpectedly found out it would need to open during the festivities.
The 21 churches, which take it in turns to host 14 homeless people each night from the beginning of November to the end of March, normally close the service over Christmas.
But this year Crisis, where the visitors stay during this time, closed yesterday and St Francis Anglican church in Monks Hill, Selsdon, realised it would need to open its doors.
David Carroll, volunteer of twenty-years, said: "We suddenly realised we needed to provide for them, and we were a little bit stuck.
"We have an army of volunteers but New Year's Eve is a difficult time of year. It is one occasion where people get together and that makes it harder to get volunteers so it's great when people can come."
But McDermott's, who have helped the churches in the past, gladly stepped in to deliver 24 portions of fish and chips and a case of fizzy drinks free of charge.
Sean Mc Dermott, who owns the family run chip shop, said he would always help the Floating Shelter in the future as it is a great local cause.
"It was nice to be able to help and provide them with some nice hot food on a cold evening," he said.
"It was very humbling to be there, the volunteers put in a lot of time and effort. They already had a big table laid and it's nice to bring people together around the table on occasions like New Year's Eve.
"Sometimes something that isn't a lot of effort for you can make a big difference to other people."
David said the shelter was very grateful for the help of Sean and his team, and visitors and volunteers organised a sing-a-long karaoke to see in the New Year.
"A big 'thank you' for everyone who has contributed to this very successful local charity, especially Sean on this occasion," said David.
"Everybody was very pleased to have received the fish and chips. The evening went really well," he added.
