A SOCIAL media video has snowballed into a community venture bringing Christmas dinner to the socially isolated.

The video, which was posted to the more than 370 strong Facebook group Reach:Out in October, documented what was originally intended as a one off pop-up soup kitchen for Rhyl’s homeless in July.

The combined group of volunteers, led by University of Liverpool student Sally Harland, will now host a community dinner on Saturday, December 22 at the Astrobowl on Ffrith beach.

Miss Harland, 21, said: “Originally I hadn’t planned on doing something this Christmas, as I’ve been too busy with university work.

“But so many people responded to the video and messaged me wanting to get involved, I had to have another look at my timetable and see if I could squeeze out another event this year.”

Where the previous event sought to aid Rhyl rough sleepers with meals, sanitary products and even hairdressers, this Christmas’ event will see Miss Harland expanding her efforts to Prestatyn's socially isolated and food bank users.

Along with the focus of her activism, support for the event has also reached a wider cross section of people than the students who volunteered for the soup kitchen and a 'Sally’s Sleep-out 'awareness campaign in April.

Miss Harland, a former Prestatyn High pupil, added:“I wouldn’t say it is a student led project anymore - the video has caused a ripple effect and I now have the backing of many more people - it has really matured as a concept.

"Even though one of the past events I was involved in was called Sally's Sleep-out, I don't want people to think it's just me. we really rely on volunteers to make this happen and I'm hoping that the connections guests and volunteers make over Christmas dinner will remain once I've gone back to university."

Also lending support is Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones, who appeared in the short video produced by film maker Paul Blythin.

Mrs Jones said: “Well done to Sally. She is very community minded and her helping disadvantaged people does mitigate the worst of austerity.

"Social isolation is such a problem for many and I’m glad Sally’s event is reaching out to those in the community who are feeling very lonely at this time of year.”

In addition to members of the community, Miss Harland is also receiving guidance from the Prestatyn & Meliden Food Bank – as well help raising awareness – and hopes to engage church groups, the Salford Children's Holiday Camp Community Café and Prestatyn Men’s Shed.

Miss Harland said: “The food bank are allowing me to put flyers for the event into their Christmas hampers, and we’ve been donating food – it's very much in the spirit of Christmas."

The volunteers have raised £290 towards the dinner, food bank donations and Christmas presents for guests, and are currently accepting donations at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/prestatynchristmasmission.