A group of pensioners have been given a holiday away from home when a church organised a week of events.

The ‘holiday’ was planned by a team at St Mary’s Church, inviting 32 people to come together for four days of fun.

The elderly people were given the chance to take part in six hours of activities a day, including a trip to Hatfield House for a cream tea.

The ‘Holiday at Home’ scheme is new to the Marshalswick church, but used around the country to help combat loneliness among the elderly.

Other activities included pottery painting, flower arranging, musical entertainment and a little ‘keep fit’. One participant, who did not wish to give their name, said: “A wonderful four days, something I will never forget”

Another, who also wishes to remain unnamed, said: “It makes such a difference to have someone to sit and eat a meal with.”

The project was organised by Sandridge parish council with St Mary’s Church and was funded by Geoff Churchard’s locality budget.

Donations of food by Tesco were also greatly appreciated. Ruth Goatly, associate priest, said: “Traditionally holiday clubs have been run for children during their school holiday- but Holiday at Home is like a holiday club for a different generation.”