CHRISTMAS came early in Royal Wootton Bassett as the town’s senior citizens were treated to a three-course festive lunch by students.

The pensioners, aged 60 to 99, nibbled on mince pies, tucked into Christmas puddings and enjoyed turkey with all the trimmings during their visit on Monday to the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy.

The spirit of Christmas was also in full swing as Year 11 music students treated their guests to some festive songs.

There was a raffle too and everyone went home with a prize and Sainsbury’s also donated crackers and poinsettia plants.

“The senior citizens all thought it was wonderful,” said receptionist Melanie Hopkins.

“We invited all the pensioners from Royal Wootton Bassett and they came at about 2pm and left about 4.30pm.

"The school provided them with a Christmas dinner and the students served them the meals and provided music.

“The students loved it and were beaming. They were all very courteous and carting and engaged in conversation.”

This is the second year school staff Ann Sanders and Nicola Sutton, head of Year 11, have organised the lunch with the help of students.

Originally they donated Christmas food parcels but decided it would be nicer to invite the residents to come to the school instead and socialise with the students and have a look inside.

Around 60 people attended, some who had been to the lunch the previous year and are grandparents of students.

Ann added: “As all the old people were leaving they said they had a lovely lunch and really enjoyed seeing the pupils perform and being involved in the day.

"They loved coming up to the school rather than doing it in a village hall.”

Student Deanna Aspell also sang Baby it’s Cold Outside with Harry Apps.

She said: “It was great fun. It is nice to do something for the community and show how we are looking out for them.”