Homeless men and women were served up a classy three-course Christmas turkey dinner, on the house, by one of Leicester's top restaurants.
More than a 100 diners who would otherwise have gone without filed through the doors of The Case, in Hotel Street, yesterday.
For the past nine years, owner David Hartshorn, has opened his restaurant so those struggling on the streets could enjoy all the festive trimmings most take for granted.
Jody Neil and his girlfriend Kerry Bell, were among those who enjoyed a meal – the first they have ever shared together in a nice restaurant.
"It's absolutely fantastic," said Jody, 39. "I'm incredibly impressed.
"We've been treated with the utmost respect and dignity today, which is not always the case when you are homeless."
The pair are currently living in a shed on a derelict site somewhere in Leicester.
Kerry, 30, said: "You know, this is the first time we've been to a restaurant to have a meal together.
"I love the way they've done it. You wouldn't know it was a meal for homeless folk.
"You are welcome to join in with others, or to enjoy an intimate meal with just the two of you like us."
Jody added: "Everybody has been top draw. It's like little oasis in here away from your problems.
"And the food is brilliant. It was like a candle-lit dinner for the pair of us.
"We are very happy to be here. They added some really nice touches like the wee children serving some of the meals.
"It makes us feel part of Christmas, and gives you a little hope for the future.
"One day, in better times, I'd like to bring Sarah back here for a proper candlelit diner and say thank you to everyone."
Cameron Hart, 43, who is living in a derelict building in the city since a relationship breakdown left him without a home six months ago, said: "It's the first time I've been to The Case. I didn't know what I was going to do on Christmas Day until somebody told me about this.
"I thought I'd come and see what the fuss was all about and its been great."
He added: "The food is lovely and I've met people from all different backgrounds.
"There's a wonderful atmosphere of friendship which has brought people together.
"It's also been nice to meet other homeless people going through similar difficulties to you. Mostly, you only meet them in a dark doorway, which is never ideal.
"I think it's given me faith in people again."
The menu included leek and potato soup for starters; a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including 'pigs in blankets', following by either Black Forest gateaux, strawberry gateaux or Christmas pudding for desert.
Restaurateur David Hartshorn said: "It's been a very busy day, but well worth it.
"We don't change a thing on the day as we want to make it a proper restaurant experience for our guests."
Restaurant staff gave up part of their day and worked alongside volunteers from The Bridge, a charity which helps homeless people by providing thousands of food parcels and meals each year.
Chef Ian Bremner, who has helped out every year to date, recruited son James, 10, and daughter Rebekah, eight, to join 30 other volunteers for the first time.
He said: "James has been serving puddings and Rebekah has been helping me in the kitchen. They've both really enjoyed it. I think we all have."
Rebekah said: "I've been helping my dad. It has been really fun."
Guest Ken Chavda, 49, from Welford Road, said: "It's absolutely wonderful what they do here.
"They have huge hearts."
He added: "Without this, many people would go hungry and lonely at Christmas. This way, everyone can be part of it."