Free soup for Bermuda's needy and not-so-needy was the order of the day on Church Street last night.

The "Have a Heart for Others" event was the brainchild of brother-and-sister team Philip and Linda Rego.

They'd initially asked members of the public to donate tinned goods to help make the giant vat of soup.

But in the end, the MarketPlace supermarket volunteered to provide the ingredients and cook up the tasty minestrone making enough for 600 portions.

The idea proved popular, with hordes of shoppers and commuters gathering for a warming treat on their way home through the February chill.

"The idea is that you get to know the community. Some of us are a little better off than others," explained Mr. Rego. "I gather some children go to school hungry. It's pretty rough here for some people. The idea is to give the free soup to people here and try to help. It's for everyone, but especially those who are hungry."

Mr. Rego hopes the soup handout will become a regular event.