A FORMER soldier hosted a meal and party for people otherwise on their own this Christmas.

James Hunt, with help from wife Kerry and family and friends, organised the Christmas dinner at his parent's house for people who live on their own.

A professional chef was drafted in to provide top of the range food, and there was live music provided by Edd Case and a visit from a comedic Santa Claus.

James, from Hawarden, has raised £1000 from donations to the event, some of which will go to funding the day. The rest of it will be used to pay for the guests to have a monthly catchup over a Sunday pub dinner.

In total, eight people went to the event at the Poplars in Hawarden, and James is hopeful this is just start of many similar schemes as part of the newly formed 'Nanny Biscuit' enterprise, after his grandmother's nickname.

James Hunt said: ''It was absolutely amazing, there's been a few tears from me last night as I was so pleased all who came enjoyed it.

''A massive thank you to all the team that helped make yesterday so magical, I'm so proud of everyone involved it went so smooth, with laughter throughout the whole day.

''From the amazing food by the chef, the little helpers serving and all my family and friends and the entertainment by Edd Case and the hilarious Liam Cain with his Santa, thanks so much to all of you.

''But most of all thank you to all the everyone that came for the dinner, it was an absolute joy to see everyone getting on and having such a wonderful time. And last but not least thank you to our community for getting behind this and raising £1000, amazing things happen when we all stand up for love and caring and long may it continue.

Justin 'Edd' Case added: ''None of these people knew each other but by the end of the day they were best of friends. There was laughter and conversation all day, it really was such an amazing day. I feel absolutely privileged to have been a part of it.''