CHILDREN have been spreading Christmas cheer across Swindon by hosting events for the community.

On Tuesday, Year 11 pupils from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy hosted a three-course meal for the elderly while a choir from Mountford Manor Primary School visited Elizabeth House sheltered accommodation to give a performance.

The academy, in Lime Kiln, welcomed 50 guests to their assembly hall with a carol service and a raffle taking place.

Josephine Finnegan, head of Year 11, said: “It was a successful day.

We welcomed lots of elderly residents and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Our Year 11s did a great job, theyenjoyed themselves and we are so proud of them.

“As a school we try to do a lot for our community and the meal was just one of the ways that we give back.

“We received some great feedback.”

The academy wants to thank those who donated raffle items and Sainsbury’s who provided table decorations and crackers.

While this was going on children from Mountford Manor Primary School went to Elizabeth House, in Queens Drive, to sing Christmas carols.

They also took with them four hampers which included items that parents had donated.

Suzanne Gregory, the school’s parent support officer, said: “The children absolutely loved performing and having the chance to chat with the residents after their performance.

“We’d previously had really good links with Elizabeth House and we are trying to rebuild them.”

Mountford Manor Primary School plan to welcome the sheltered accommodation’s residents to some of their forthcoming events.