A kind-hearted woman is on a mission to prevent anyone feeling lonely this Christmas.

Jan Hancock, 64, of Great Maplestead, started organising the Christmas dinners last year with friends.

She said: “We were a group of like minded fools who actually met through the Halstead foodbank, although the meal is separate from the bank.

“I had my £200 winter fuel allowance and I just thought that I am very fortunate in that I don’t have to worry about paying the bills and I can cook.

“It just made me think why not.”