RESIDENTS who have been identified as lonely or vulnerable in and around the South Ockendon community were treated to a Christmas feast,

AD Youth Clubs and The Flowers Community Group are joined forces to fundraise and then serve up a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, completely free of charge to local people.

Funds for the event were raised at a Craft Market at the hall in Lime Close achieved the funding for the meal, and Morrisons in Grays donated £100 wort of items to the event, which took place on Saturday (20 December).

Carolyne Waghorn from the Flowers Community Group said: "The groups would like to extend their grateful thanks to Morrisons for their kind gesture and for delivering the produce by van. They would also like to thank the sellers, and the visitors who bought their goods and visited Santa at the craft fair. Without their kindness, the meal would not have been possible."

"Thanks also to our chef and to were four young people from AD Youth Clubs who acted as servers, brining our guests a starter, a three-meat meal with all the trimmings, and a choice of Christmas pudding, a gateau, or a choice of cheesecakes. Mulled wine was offered, as well as tea, coffee, and a selection of fizzy drinks, non alcoholic wine, and cordials.

"The afternoon was alive with conversation and Christmas music.

"With such great support The Flowers Community Hall will host a Christmas meal for even more residents in 2026. AD Youth Clubs and The Flowers Community Group is anxious to build on their current schedule of activities and is working to make the hall a focus for its community."