VIPs drop in to Wheatley Hill Community Association's Christmas lunch

The Wheatley Hill Community Association in Wheatley Hill, near Peterlee, laid out the welcome mat to the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson and his wife Lady Sarah Nicholson.

They took up an invite to enjoy festive fare with members of the association’s luncheon club, at the Greenhills Centre, in Stephens Terrace, Wheatley Hill.

The lunch attracted 35 residents, with a further 20 meals delivered to residents in the village. The event was funded with the help of the Surviving Winter campaign.

The association received a grant of £1,922 from this years’ campaign - given out by the County Durham Community Foundation, of which Sir Paul is a trustee.

The event also featured advice to the luncheon club members on how to survive the winter.

Real Radio presenter Lisa Shaw, outlined some of the tips to the largely elderly audience.

Wheatley Hill Community Association chairman Evelyn Robson said: “Since the Surviving Winter campaign began, it has been a great help to our association.

“The money received has been used to support elderly members of the community and this is very important to us. It has helped ease our financial strain as well.”