A SOUP kitchen in Christchurch is celebrating after a threat of eviction was lifted.

The volunteers at Triple F, who are currently using a building at Pit car park off Barrack Road, had been told they may have to leave by the end of the month.

But, Christchurch Borough Council have now given the team a 10 month lease on the building until the start of 2018.

Founder, Zoe Haine said: "It's amazing news and we're really excited. Obviously we now have bills, so we're very aware that we'll need to reach out and ask for donations to put towards overheads in order to continue the amazing service that we're providing."

Ashley Harman, projects and estates manager, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “The council is working with Triple F to offer them a short-term lease on 23 Barrack Road subject to the agreement of terms.

"This property also forms part of the proposed Bargates site and the council is working with the other landowners and a preferred bidder to ensure that future options remain flexible.

“By offering a new lease on a short-term basis we hope this will provide Triple F with sufficient time to find alternative accommodation to run their service.”

Zoe started the service just over two years ago. The team provides hot food and a wash and swap facility for laundry and sleeping bags, as well as many other essentials for the homeless community.

The Triple F team open five evenings a week at the building, which is just minutes away from Christchurch high street.

Zoe said the service users often say “it's not like your traditional soup kitchen" because they have a roof over their head and a table to eat around, as well as providing a more sociable environment and the opportunity to build relationships.

Greggs, Waitrose and Tesco are among the contributors, providing food to be given to the homeless and hungry within the community.

The volunteer service can get up to 16 people coming to the building during their evenings, which start at 6.30pm.

Triple F will start fundraising soon, but are formulating a plan on how they will reach out to Christchurch residents and businesses.