DISADVANTAGED families and individuals celebrated Christmas despite soaring energy prices and food costs. 

Malmesbury charity HEALS brought festive cheer to vulnerable residents with a busy Christmas programme of events. 

Almost 100 guests enjoyed a free Christmas dinner in Malmesbury town hall on December 22. 

Initially it was initially a shaky start as there was no gas in the town hall kitchen.

But kind-hearted chefs from The Old Bell Hotel stepped in to the rescue and cooked a festive feast. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Christmas community lunch guests at the Town HallChristmas community lunch guests at the Town Hall (Image: Liz Cook)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: HEALS Christmas gift wrapping volunteer teamHEALS Christmas gift wrapping volunteer team (Image: Liz Cook)

The charity also organised its annual pantomime trip where - despite the snow - 150 guests watched Beauty and the Beast at the Wyvern in Swindon. 

There was also a Santa run for 70 local families. 

“We were determined that no household would miss out on the festive spirit,” said Cllr Gavin Grant, chair of HEALS Trustees.

"With soaring energy prices and food costs, we knew this Christmas would be a struggle for many local residents and families. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cllr Gavin Grant chair of HEALS Trustees at the present wrapping eventCllr Gavin Grant chair of HEALS Trustees at the present wrapping event (Image: Liz Cook)

“But the scale of this year meant we needed a massive wave of generosity from local businesses, grant makers and a record number of HEALS volunteers. 

“I am thrilled to say this is exactly what happened!" 

The Christmas dinner event was a community effort, with businesses such as George Veterinary Group and WH Smiths collecting new toys for children's gifts.

While local supermarkets Aldi and the Co-op, as well as restaurants Hobbes House Bakery and Michael's Bistro, gathered ingredients for the dinner.

Important funds came from the Malmesbury Bonfire Committee, Malmesbury Carnival, Malmesbury League of Friends and the Mayor's Charity Appeal, among many others. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Volunteers Evelyn Steer, Karen Franklin and Richard Franklin preparing for the Santa runVolunteers Evelyn Steer, Karen Franklin and Richard Franklin preparing for the Santa run (Image: Liz Cook)

Record numbers of HEALS volunteers stepped forward to wrap gifts, deliver gifts and serve Christmas meals.

Gavin added: "This was a magnificent response from right across Malmesbury to share the Christmas spirit with those who were struggling this year. 

“I have no doubt that many individuals and families will face different worries and challenges in the New Year. 

“HEALS will do everything it can to help, backed up by the amazing generosity and kind hearts of so many individuals, businesses and organisations in our community. 

“We are very grateful to all of them." 

All photos taken by Liz Cook.