FIFTY people sat down together on Christmas Day to enjoy lunch in the Church Barn, Bishop's Castle.

Festive Friends is now in its seventh year and is organised by members of the Clun Valley Quakers Meeting.

A pianist who was visiting his family from Hong Kong popped in to play for a while and local accordionist Trevor Chalkley accompanied the carol singing.

Father Christmas arrived later in the day and gave everyone a small gift.

Speaking after the event, Linda Murray-Hale one of the Festive Friends said it had been a very enjoyable occasion, welcoming old and new friends, some of whom had lost well-loved family members during the year. "There are so many people to thank," she added, "in particular Andrew Pugh, our local butcher who gave us a splendid turkey, sausages and bacon for the feast. Julie Burgwin and Jan Robertson donated £100 from their bingo nights in the King's Head and we had a number of other cash donations as well.

"It was a wonderful day and we thank everyone who helped make it a success."