CHRISTMAS cheer had 100 Minehead pensioners in the party spirit when West Somerset Community College held its annual senior citizens’ Christmas party.

A group of year 11 students started planning the party back in September when invitations were sent out to residential and nursing homes in Minehead.

It wasn’t long before invitations started flooding back in with guests coming from nine different homes.

Getting guests to the party was made easier this year, thanks to @West Accessible Transport who provided the buses.

Because their buses have tail-lifts, even those with mobility difficulties were able to go and enjoy the festivities.

Penne Knight, the college’s catering manager, worked with Lee Bonar to organise a buffet lunch for the guests and their carers.

A team of year 12 students kept guests topped up with tea and coffee and volunteers from Year 11 and Senior Student Leaders acted as waiters and waitresses.

Songs and carols compered by Ronaldo Charnock and Mark Westwood, head of music, kept everyone entertained.

All guests received a present from Heidi Adams who was dressed up as ‘Mother Christmas’.

Richard Ansell, student coordinator for engagement and behaviour, said: “There was, of course, bingo and thanks to Minehead and District Social Club for the loan of their bingo machine.

“Thank you, also, to Accessible Transport and Stewart Ford, the owner of Minehead Marquees, who again loaned us the table and chairs.

“Finally, thanks to all the staff and students who helped enable the party to run so smoothly.”