Festivities got under way in Stowmarket on Christmas Day as the Jam Community Pot hosted its annual Yuletide lunch.

East Anglian Daily Times: Michelle Frost, second left at the front, and the kitchen volunteers and staff at the Jam Community Pot's Christmas lunch. Picture: RUSSELL COOKMichelle Frost, second left at the front, and the kitchen volunteers and staff at the Jam Community Pot's Christmas lunch. Picture: RUSSELL COOK (Image: Archant)

A total of 112 lonely, isolated and vulnerable people in the community attended the event which was held at the United Reform Church, in Ipswich Street.

And they were treated to a traditional Christmas meal with all the trimmings along with bingo sessions, two choirs and a steel band as part of the entertainment for the day.

There was also a suprise present for those attending funded by the Stowmarket Lions and Jam.

A total of 30 volunteers from drivers to kitchen staff helped with the event which was also attended by the Mayor of Stowmarket Linda Baxter.

East Anglian Daily Times: People attending the Jam Community Pot's Christmas lunch. Picture: RUSSELL COOKPeople attending the Jam Community Pot's Christmas lunch. Picture: RUSSELL COOK (Image: Archant)

She said: “This is just a fantastic event for those who are on their own at Christmas as it is the day when they feel lonely. There’s no tablet that will make it feel better but having somewhere where they can come to get good food and company is wonderful.”

Michelle Frost, Jam’s organiser, said it was the fifth year the event had been held and that it involved a great deal of hard work which was all worthwhile.

East Anglian Daily Times: People attending the Jam Community Pot's Christmas lunch. Picture: RUSSELL COOKPeople attending the Jam Community Pot's Christmas lunch. Picture: RUSSELL COOK (Image: Archant)