DO you know your neighbours?

Not just to say good morning to as you put the bins out first thing in the morning, or to say thank you when they have signed for a parcel you missed while out at work - but are you friends with them?

In a little corner of Colchester's Riverside estate, good neighbours have certainly become good friends thanks to the Big Lunch - a scheme which encourages people to get together and break bread with people who live nearby just once a year.

In 2012, Angie Fairbrother head about the initiative which is run by the Eden Project and the National Lottery and invited a few people over to her home in Worcester Road.

Since then, the number of people involved has swelled each and every year and she is now expecting more than 70 people to gather for this year's pirate themed bash in July.

The gatherings have grown so big, the group apply for a road closure so the party can spill out into the street.

"This will be our seventh year," said 53-year-old Angie.

"It started off as just having a few neighbours getting together.

"Then I saw you could send off to the Big Lunch for an official pack with invitations and other useful things and we decided to extend the invitation to people in the surrounding roads.

"Last year we had between 60 and 70 people and it is brilliant - so much fun.

"I genuinely don't know why more people don't do it."

Since they started talking to people who live nearby, several residents have formed bonds with people they would barely utter hello to before.

Angie, who works as a Metropolitan Police officer, added: "For some reason on the estate we have quite a few widows and now outside of these events they will meet up for some coffee and company.

"My husbands goes sailing with one of our neighbours regularly and it is all because they came to one of these events and just started talking to each other.

"My mum and dad also live on the estate and when I go and see them now, I end up chatting to three or four people as I'm on my way round."

The event has now got so big the residents organise a road closure to give them more space and have held bashes in honour of the Royal Wedding and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Last year's party had a Hawaiian theme.

"There is always enough food - we just get everyone to bring something and there is plenty to share," said Angie.

"I just started to do it because I like organising things and we have invited more and more people - it has snowballed.

"There have been times when we have been sitting outside and somebody has come past and we have invited them to go grab a chair and come and join us.

"We have now have a street marquee and want to extend it even more.

"Last year we had limbo dancing and this year I am planning a treasure hunt for the children.

"So much good has come from it.

"I have dogs and when I'm away they don't have to go into kennels because there is someone to look after them because of us getting together and eating once a year."