Lunch was the most important meal of the day for Helston and Porthleven neighbours last weekend as they took part in a national get-together spearheaded by the Eden Project.

The Big Lunch was launched in 2009 and aims to get as many people as possible across the UK to have lunch with their neighbours once a year in a “simple act of community, friendship and fun.”

In Helston the free event was held at the Old Cattle Market community hall, where pasties, fruit and cream teas were enjoyed on Sunday.

Hosted by KingsGate Church, which was launched in the town last year, the lunch was a chance for children and adults alike to enjoy an afternoon of fun activities and food.

At Porthleven meanwhile, the port's community group came together to run their instalment of the Big Lunch on The Moors playing field.

Mayor of the town Mark Berryman opened the event and local businesses provided the food including freshly cooked pizza from Ameles Smoke House, a variety of breads from Sea Drift and a big bowl of humus and bread sticks from the Corner Deli.

Blue Haze, meanwhile, spent two hours cooking onion bhajis especially for the day, Kota Kai donated focaccia bread with balsamic vinegar and the Atlantic Inn provided pasta salad and crisps.

For afters, The Square supplied ginger cake.

As well as the varied spread of food, there was a performance by Porthleven Signing Choir, free face painting by Sarah Hunkin and craft activities.

The day came to a close with a popular game of rounders, featuring mixed teams of children and adults.

Bethan Price, aged 11, said: “It was really good to see the adults be silly when playing rounders, as well as being a team captain against my mum!”

Porthleven Community Group secretary, Charlene Bastedo said: “The signing choir were brilliant, like always.

“It was really lovely that the audience joined in to sing happy birthday to a child in the choir. It made it a day to remember.”

The town council provided an activity grant to fund the lunch and Porthleven Fisherman's Association loaned their large gazebo tent.

Councillor Andrew Wallis said event was “hugely enjoyed by all those who attended” and hoped that the local community will support an annual Big Lunch in future years.