Free meal offer attracts 10,000

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More than 10,000 people turned up for a free meal which was on offer in the centre of Middlesbrough.

Over the past six months 200 community groups have been growing fruit and vegetables as part of a multi-million pound healthy eating project.

The resulting harvest was being cooked up in a giant free food giveaway in the town's Centre Square.

Middlesbrough Council, which hosted the event - dubbed Town Meal - said it was delighted with the attendance.

'Bold statement'

Since March keen gardeners from all over the town have been growing produce as part of the town's Urban Farming Project.

Brenda Thompson, the council's executive member for public health, said: "The Town Meal will make a bold statement to show Middlesbrough is committed to becoming a healthier and more active town."

A planned event for last year was cancelled because of bad weather.

Middlesbrough's mayor Ray Mallon officially opened the event on Saturday.