Former service people enjoyed a festive visit from South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay.

Mr Mackinlay makes an annual trip to Maurice House in Broadstairs, a Royal British Legion care home exclusive to ex-armed forces personnel and their dependants.

The MP visited to thank the veterans for their service to our country and to wish them well as Christmas approaches.

Mr Mackinlay said: "The whole country values greatly the contribution made by our armed forces personnel and their families, and the many sacrifices made through their service in keeping Britain safe.

"That is why, each Christmas, I like to visit some of our local veterans at the Royal British Legion’s Maurice House in Broadstairs.

"Maurice House provides a fantastic, welcoming home for those who have given so much, such as new resident Wally Smith, veteran of Operation Market Garden and holder of the Légion d'Honneur.

"As well as wishing the ex-Service personnel all the best for the festive season, it gives me an opportunity to gauge their views on current affairs both nationally and locally.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our veterans and current serving service-personnel a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year."