A Truro-based charity is encouraging people to hold fundraising dinners in aid of people who have lost their homes.

Shine, disaster relief charity Shelterbox's annual campaign, invites people to bring friends and family together to make a difference to those in need.

Celebrity chefs including The Hairy Bikers, Levi Roots and Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers are supporting the campaign and have shared their favourite winter warmer recipes for inspiration.

Falmouth Packet:

Shine dinners happening around the world this winter will provide solar lights, emergency shelter and other essential items to people affected by disasters.

Maria from the Philippines told Shelterbox: "My children are able to use the solar lights a lot: it helps them wake up and get ready for school in the morning and for my youngest she is now more comfortable with a light on at night when she sleeps."

Falmouth Packet:

Yolanda from Peru cooks meals for people in her community whose homes were destroyed in a flood

When a family is forced to flee their home, the familiar elements of daily life can be lost in the chaos.

Items from Shelterbox can give some sense of normality by helping them get back to routines like cooking and eating dinner together, doing schoolwork or keeping a business running.

The charity is currently supporting families in Syria fleeing the latest military action as well as those displaced by floods in Bangladesh and long-term conflict in western Africa's Lake Chad Basin.

Robyn Cummins, Shelterbox director of fundraising and communications, said: "Imagine a disaster has taken away your home. At night it’s so dark you can’t even see your own hands, let alone cook for your family or find your way to the nearest toilet.

"For thousands of families around the world, this is a reality. By getting together for a Shine for Shelterbox dinner, you’ll be supporting these families with essential aid items like solar lights."

Sign up and download your free fundraising pack with recipe ideas and more at shelterbox.org/shine.