The Penhill Street Reps are inviting people to come to their community Big Lunch later this summer.

The John Moulton Hall in Penhill will host a community picnic on Tuesday, August 6 which is open to everyone.

Between 1pm -3pm local residents are encouraged to bring their own picnic, which can be shared out as part of the community meal.

Diana Pithers, one of the Penhill Street Reps helping to organise the afternoon, said: "It's going to be a lovely big community event, where everyone gets together and has a great time. It's a chance for us to celebrate our community here in Penhill and all the wonderful things people are doing."

Plans for the day include a free BBQ and ice lollies, a bouncy castle for the children, as well as information stalls from various different organisations working within the community.

The free weekly cafe run by the Penhill Street Reps will also take place.

Nick Brock, Swindon Borough Council housing participation officer who runs the Penhill Street Reps, said: "There are lots of positive things happening in our community. It will be an occasion for everyone to get together and also learn more about how they can get involved if they want."

The community picnic follows a visit by the Eden Project to the area earlier this year, as part of their mission to highlight the efforts of residents who bring communities together and encourage local people to host their own Big Lunch.

The aim of the Eden Project's Big Lunch, made possible by the National Lottery, is to get people together to share food and get to know each other better.

Nick Brock added: "The Eden Project said that the Penhill Reps are one of the best community groups in the whole country, which is a lovely thing to hear."

Penhill Street Reps is a 26 strong volunteer organisation which works to improve the local community, specifically in relation to housing and the services the council provide.

They also run a Junior Rep program which encourages young people aged 11-18 to volunteer in their communities.

The new mayor Kevin Parry will be in attendance during the afternoon to present the Junior Street Reps with their Swindon Pride 2019 award, for their work cleaning up litter in the area.

Mrs Pithers added: "Penhill often gets a lot of negative publicity, but that isn't the full story for the area.

"We will be bringing the community together to share food and foster community spirit."