CHRISTMAS cheer and a big helping of community spirit have been served up at a special festive lunch for elderly residents in Chipping Sodbury.

Pensioners who live alone, are unable to get out regularly or who are not members of any local groups were invited to enjoy a buffet lunch of homemade soups, savouries, cakes and mince pies at the Old Grammar School Rooms on Tuesday, December 9.

They were treated to a performance by young singers from Raysfield Infants' School and joined in some Christmas carols with Rebecca Jones, from Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church.

Town mayor Cllr Wendy Whittle chatted with guests over lunch and there was a raffle of donated prizes and a visit by Father Christmas who handed out handmade treats courtesy of local cooking school teacher Ann Murray.

The event was organised by the Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch committee, which holds its main Big Lunch each June in Broad Street.

Chairman Alexandra Womack said: " This was our first Christmas Big Lunch and we are really pleased with how well it went.

"We thought it was important to give elderly people in our community, who may find it difficult to come to our main event in the summer, a lunch of their own where they could meet new friends and be made to feel really special."

She added: "Some of our guests hadn't been to a party in four years, some never get out but because we arranged transport they were able to come and join us.

"There was a lovely festive atmosphere and we had lots of volunteers who took the time to talk to all our guests and made them feel very welcome."

The Christmas Big Lunch was funded by Waitrose's Community Matters scheme as well as donations from local companies including Chipping Sodbury Motor Company, Hobbs House Bakery, Tesco and Marks and Spencers in Yate.

"We received lots of donations of cakes and many people were happy to give up their time to help," added Alexandra.

"We are very grateful to everyone who helped us put on this memorable lunch which we hope has given some vulnerable and lonely people something to smile about this Christmas."