Christchurch's Random Act of Kindness scheme has sold its 1000th meal gift card.

Christchurch residents hit the landmark of purchases this week, with the cards being used to help the homeless and vulnerable elderly in the area.

The scheme was started by Christchurch Community Partnership (CCP) in November 2016 to provide a hot meal to those most in need of support.

The cards are sold at Christchurch Information Centre and Bailey's Cafe on Barrack Road, as well as online on the CCP website.

They are also distributed through many charities, as well as local soup kitchens and churches.

The cards can then be exchanged for hot meals at Bailey's Cafe, Kelly's Kitchen or Cuckoo's Coffee Bar.

The cards are not just for rough sleepers, they are also for the "invisible homeless" who live in hostels or bed and breakfasts.

Charlene Lloyd, CCP volunteer and project leader for the scheme, said: "It took us by surprise how popular and successful it's been. People have been amazing. We can't thank people enough for their support.

"The scheme covers a broad spectrum of people. Whilst people think of it as being about the homeless, and that is a big part of it, it's more than that. You can help so many people in different ways, which is why I think it's really captured people's imaginations."

Charlene says CCP are also looking to develop the scheme even further. She says she welcomes any new ideas on how to use the gift cards and appeals to any venues who wish to participate to contact them on: ccp.mealcards@gmail.com.

For more information on the scheme go to: www.christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk.