Older people from Watcombe and Hele in Torquay, and Queen Elizabeth Drive and Foxhole in Paignton, will be tucking into a free Christmas meal thanks to Torbay Council’s Street Wardens and some generous local sponsors.

The Christmas meal will be taking place on Wednesday 17 December 2014 at the Windmill Centre, in Torquay. It will see older residents from each area joining together for entertainment and a free four course meal. Each resident will also receive a festive present to take home with them.

Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Safer Communities, Highways, Environment and Sport, Councillor Robert Excell, said: “Christmas can be a wonderful time of year, but for some people it is not always something to look forward to. Winter can be cold, dark and damp and for some older people who may not have a lot of family or friends, it can be a lonely time of year.

“This event was started by our Street Wardens to share the spirit of Christmas and to bring older residents from a range of communities together for a fun filled festive event. It has become an event that many residents look forward to each year!”

The free Christmas meal activity for older residents is now in its fifth year and sponsors include the Community Development Trust, Sanctuary Housing, the Windmill Centre, Hele’s Angels, Bookers Cash and Carry, Total Event Hire in Newton Abbot, and Ministry of Cake Ltd.

On Thursday 18 December 2014, the Street Wardens will also be supporting a Family Christmas Buffet in the Windmill Centre, which has been arranged by the Family Learning Project. The event is being held for families who are financially struggling this year and it will include entertainment, a special guest appearance from Father Christmas, Christmas presents for children, and a free Christmas meal.