Preston — The Lenten fish fries of southeastern Connecticut have begun.

In Preston on Friday, volunteer Ray Tessier was bouncing around chatting with diners during the 55th annual Lenten Fish and Chips Fellowship Dinner at St. James Episcopal Church. A member of the church, he said he is the "fun ambassador" in charge of fun during the event.

Nora Donoghue, 13, of Warwick, R.I., who was serving guests at the dinner, has volunteered at the event since she was 7 years old, joining her grandmother, church member Gail Rigney, who has been a volunteer for 15 years.

The fish fry will take place every Friday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. through April 3.