14 photos as kind-hearted roofer organises Christmas meal for 120 pensioners in Lancashire village

Ged Donnelly, from Walmer Bridge, organised the event after hearing about an elderly man who had spent the previous Christmas alone.

With support from friends, local businesses and villagers, Ged arranged the celebration at Walmer Bridge Village Hall, welcoming older residents from Walmer Bridge, Little Hoole, Longton and Much Hoole.

Ged’s friend Roger Price said the idea came from concerns about loneliness and the pressures many older people continue to face.

He said: “This epitomised the difficulties some of our senior citizens face, with Covid, the cost of heating and energy, and the cost of living in general. Some older people are lonely and there was a feeling that a lot of people have had a hard time.”

The event followed the success of a smaller gathering last year, which was attended by 90 people and received positive feedback from those who took part.

Guests were treated to a full turkey Christmas dinner, followed by dessert and soft drinks, along with festive music and live entertainment from a local musician performing on the ukulele.

There was also a raffle, bingo and a licensed bar, with food, Christmas trimmings and crackers donated by local businesses.

Additional donations came from residents and supporters, including friends from as far away as Northern Ireland and Spain.

Any leftover funds will be shared between local charities, including Walmer Bridge Village Hall, with remaining money saved to support the event in future years.

Take a look through our gallery of 14 photos capturing the event:

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news and top stories from across Lancashire directly to your phone

Get the latest headlines, straight to your inbox, with The LEP’s free emails