Community dinners bring Christmas cheer for those who would have been alone

Turkey, pigs-in-blankets and sprouts were on the table at two community Christmas dinners in mid-Norfolk.

Swaffham's Tea Pot cafe hosted a dinner for more than 30 people who would otherwise have been alone, using food supplied by businesses and donations from the public.

Sandra Berryman said it was the second time she'd organised a free dinner for residents who did not have anywhere else to go.

She said: 'It's really nice to be able to do something for someone else at Christmas. We've had lots of donations from around the town, which has been great.'

Mellie Barnard, 77, from Swaffham, was there with her husband Michael, 86. Mrs Barnard said: 'It's really nice of them to give up their time on Christmas and put this on. Years ago we used to have the family on Christmas but now they come at another time of year.'

Kevin and Neil Andrews-Stott had both driven up from London to spend the day there with the dad, Douglas Stott, who lives in Swaffham.

Kevin said: 'It's a really nice chance to spend Christmas with him.'

In Dereham, about 40 people went to a morning church service before moving onto the Salvation Army Hall in St Nicholas Street for a Christmas dinner.

Major Dianna Bennett said she was delighted the event had such support. She said: 'Christmas is about the birth of Christ, and to be able to do this for people in our community gives a really strong feeling of carrying on the work of Jesus, whose life was about serving and loving people.'

After the dinner, guests enjoyed games including pass-the-parcel, and sang carols together.