Residents in Great Bedwyn who were set to miss out on a Christmas dinner last Thursday tucked into a lavish three course meal thanks to a band of volunteers.

Sue Challen began to organise the annual feast five years ago when she realised some villagers who were very infirm, lived alone or were socially isolated ate alone.

She said: "We have a team of six cooks, several volunteers and lots of good will from everyone. The meal includes turkey, bread sauce, roast potatoes, vegetables, and there are mince pies as well as coffee and soft drinks or wine if they want it. They all make a donation to cover costs. It's for all ages but it is mainly older residents but we get people in wheelchairs and mums and babies."

Around 30 residents attended the meal held in St Mary's church where a mini restaurant had been set up.

The Rev Michael McHugh said: "It's a great way for people who eat on their own to have meal.

"It takes one or two key people like Sue to step forward to start something like this. She now has a team and it is much appreciated."