A SPECIAL Christmas lunch was laid on by the Wells community for 27 people who are vulnerable or otherwise would have been alone. 

The lunch was held at Heads Up in South Horrington with the help of local businesses, volunteers, and Wells Cathedral School. 

Heads Up is a mental health and wellbeing charity with a purpose-built community centre in Wells that serves the Mendip district. 

The guests were driven to the venue on Christmas morning by five volunteer drivers, and they were taken home in the afternoon after the Queen's Christmas broadcast. 

They were welcomed at Heads Up, which is usually closed on Christmas Day, with a free three-course lunch, drinks and presents, and they were entertained by music and card tricks. 

The lunch was hosted by councillor Philip Welch, the mayor of Wells, who dressed up as Father Christmas to hand out the gifts. 

Somerset County Gazette: CHRISTMAS LUNCH: The mayor of Wells transformed into Santa Claus to give out presentsCHRISTMAS LUNCH: The mayor of Wells transformed into Santa Claus to give out presents

The event was made possible by the generosity of the city's community. 

Cllr Welch said: "Businesses in Wells showed true Christmas spirit and were very generous. 

"Griffiths Butchers gave all the turkey, and Wells Golf Club staff cooked and sliced it.

"All the vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, Christmas pudding, and drinks were donated by Morrisons, Waitrose, Tesco and Queen Street Deli.

"The Cathedral School gave the Christmas crackers, festive serviettes and tablecloths.

"Serving equipment was loaned by the Crown Hotel.

"Plates, glasses, condiments, and cutlery were borrowed from Geoff Haskins, and special thanks go to the volunteers who helped on Christmas Day and beforehand."

The volunteers included Paul Jeffrey and his son Max, who cooked the meal; Sharon and Bob Haigh from the Rotary Club of Wells; Non Hobson, who made the table decorations; Sue Walker, who provided the music; the five drivers, and four city councillors who wrapped the presents.