A pub which put on a free Christmas dinner for Island pensioners who would have been on their own has been praised.

Caroline Ashworth, who runs The Beach Hotel in Seaside Avenue, Minster, with her husband Duane, organised the three-course meal because she hates the thought of people being alone at this time of year.

Roger Vyvyan, who attended the get together, said: “I was to be alone on Christmas Day, but a neighbour suggested I contact the Beach Hotel as they were offering a free lunch for OAPs. I did so, and duly arrived for what turned out to be one of the best meals I have had for a very long time.

“There were only 10 of us there, but we all enjoyed ourselves very much, and we had turkey, ham and beef plus vegetables, followed by homemade Christmas pudding and brandy butter.

“Neither must I forget the crackers and a most welcome gift from very kind people.

“I would like to offer my most grateful thanks to all the staff concerned who must have worked extremely hard to produce such a magnificent meal, a meal I won’t forget in a hurry.”

Mrs Ashworth said: “I think it went quite well. They were all grateful and were all able to talk to each other.”

She added one lady arrived with wrapped presents which were then handed out.