Preston is set to get a metaphorical hug during Thursday.

A kindness stall is being set up at Preston Railway Station as the University of Central Lancashire looks to spread a little love to thousands of commuters.

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It’s the second year the Random Acts of Kindness Day has taken place across the city.

Last year’s event saw dinner being cooked for elderly neighbours by students, cups of tea handed out for those in need and presents for a hardworking school caretaker.

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Vice-chancellor of UCLan professor Mike Thomas said: “The University of Central Lancashire is very much a civic university that reaches out to the local community.

“Last year’s AOK Day was a great success with many staff and students making a big difference through lots of small acts of kindness and generosity, so I’m sure this year will be even better and hopefully create a snowball effect around the city.

“One of the University’s key values is compassion and this event is a great example of how we put it into practice.”

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The event is being run in partnership with Virgin Trains at the station from 8.30am to 1pm on Thursday (19 October).

Station manager at Preston Shirley Ross said: “At Virgin Trains we like to surprise and delight our customers and we’re pleased to be working with the University of Central Lancashire to do just that. We’re sure the Acts of Kindness day will bring smiles to faces of people travelling to and from Preston station.”

Anyone interested can follow the action unfold on social media via the hashtag #UCLanAOK. Last year’s event reached more than 200,000 people through social media.