Diners were moved to tears at a Christmas Day lunch for the elderly and lonely in Wantage.

Guests included a man who has been alone for the past 13 years and who said the Christmas hamper he took home was the only present he received this year.

Wantage and Grove residents were asked to “nominate a neighbour” who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.

And more than 30 people tucked into the £1,000 feast provided by Waitrose Wantage at Wantage Day Centre, organised by charity champion Ray Collins.

Mr Collins, of Peter Ledbury electricals, in Grove Street, Wantage, said it was “quite simply the best Christmas Day I’ve ever had”.

He is now planning an Easter Sunday lunch at the centre.

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