CHRISTMAS came early for elderly residents at a care home who were served up a five star festive lunch by staff from an award winning hotel.

Accompanied by Santa the chef, waiters and waitresses from the Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, near Leyburn, dished up the gastronomic delight for residents at the Rosedale Nursing Home in Catterick.

The hotel was named earlier this year as the best small hotel in the UK regional finals of the International Hotel awards and given five stars by the AA. Owner David Moss said they just wanted to put something back into the community.

Rosedale provides residential and nursing care for residents.

Mr Moss said: “We had a fabulous day, we heard about Rosedale through The Northern Echo and decided that was the place we wanted to support by putting on a special meal.

“Our suppliers R and J Butchers, of Masham, Carricks Fruit and Veg, of Snape and Yorkshire Quality Foods from Catterick donated the food and we put in the time and effort.

"It was really worthwhile and humbling to go and spend time with the residents.

“If we can do anything to make their Christmas a bit more special we are happy to do it, and it was such a success we’ve already decided we are going to go back next Christmas."