Hundreds of people gathered over the weekend for a free event which showcased some of the amazing community and volunteer opportunities in the area.

More than 300 people turned out for the Celebrating Communities Roadshow in Neilston Parish Church Hall on Saturday.

The event, led by Eden Project Communities (EPC) and supported by the National Lottery, involved organisations such as The Scouts, Incredible Edible, Generations Working Together and The Folks’ Music Project, who were on hand to share information and encourage residents’ involvement.

Bringing people together over food, the Saturday Lunch Club served up more than 100 bowls of homemade soup.

Jennifer Carroll, EPC’s relationship and communications lead for Scotland, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see so many people turn up to find out more about what’s happening in their community and connect with others.

“It’s been a fantastic day and a perfect time to launch the Month of Community.”

The Month of Community is a time to come together to celebrate everything that makes our communities great at a time of year which also includes Volunteers Week, Neighbourhood Watch Week, Refugee Week, Carer Week, Small Charity Week and more.

It runs throughout June and at any time during the month people can host a Big Lunch to celebrate which can be anything from a small gathering in a garden or park to a larger party with trestle tables down the middle of your street.

This year EPC is also inviting residents to organise a Coronation Big Lunch between May 6 and May 8.

“The Month of Community is a time not just to celebrate everything good about our communities, it serves as a focal point in the year aimed at bringing people together,” added Jennifer, who was previously the programme coordinator at Neilston Development Trust.

“It's an opportunity to bring our neighbourhoods closer and shine a light on the incredible communities we live in and there’s no better way to do all that than hosting a Big Lunch where people can share food and fun together.”

East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald was also on hand during Saturday’s roadshow to meet some of the organisations and spend time chatting with those members of the public who came along.

She said: “This is such a great event. I was absolutely buzzing that I was asked to come along and be part of it.

“It’s absolutely full of people who have come in to speak to some of the brilliant community groups and organisations who have been brought together here.

“It’s a fantastic job of work that’s been done putting it all together.”

She continued: “It’s lovely for people to come together. This kind of event is a really good example of folk coming together and enjoying each other’s company.

"If you have an opportunity to get to an event like this I would definitely recommend it.”

To get a free pack for The Big Lunch and Month of Community visit TheBigLunch.com.