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

Year 11 students at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy hosted a special Christmas dinner, complete with all the trimmings, for the older generation.

The annual event has been growing each year, and yesterday was the biggest it has ever been – with 104 OAPs being fed, watered and entertained.

Laura Driver, head of Year 11, said: “This is part of our community project and is always very well received.

“This year was a huge success in terms of numbers, and it was great to see the pupils engaging with the older people.”

Donations were given by the town’s Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores and prizes were raffled off during the meal.

Speaking about the benefit such an initiative can have on pupils, Laura said: “It gives them a chance to mingle with people they wouldn’t normally encounter. It also means they are doing their bit for the community and giving something back.

“It’s always very gratefully received by the OAPs as well, which is nice.”