AN ANDOVER company sponsored Christmas goodie bags distributed to 70 elderly residents.

Every year Stannah sponsors the AgeUK gift bags to people in the area who may be alone at Christmas.

The parcels are filled with festive goodies from Waitrose who, with volunteers from Stannah, pack up the seasonal food essentials and treats.

The parcels come with StannahTalk, a magazine for Stannah customers.

Debra Watts, AgeUK trustee said: “We love this project and are most grateful to Stannah, Waitrose and the Rotary for their year on year support.

“A special thank you goes to the delivery volunteers.”

This year the first parcel of the marathon delivery was presented by Councillor Carl Borg-Neal, the mayor of Test Valley and mayoress, Maria Neal.

Joan Johnson, a life-long fundraiser in Andover, was delighted to meet the mayor and mayoress in her own home, together with Debra Watts and Joan’s sister, who was herself a volunteer with AgeUK for many years.

She said: “I was thrilled to welcome the mayor and his party to my home. What a treat for Christmas. The contents of my parcel are so appreciated, it’s a lovely idea and really does make a difference to, what can be, a lonely time of the year.”

Six Stannah volunteers then packed up their vehicles and headed off to deliver festive cheer across Andover and surrounding villages.

Jon Stannah, group managing director, added: “We are delighted to provide funding and volunteers for this great initiative from AgeUK Andover.

“Our volunteers enjoy meeting some wonderful elderly residents, who have themselves given so much to their community. It’s a thank you from us all.”