A COUPLE who run a hot and cold food van in Bicester managed to serve more than 60 dinners to people who might not have enjoyed one otherwise on Christmas Day.

John and Jan Hall, from Bicester, decided to provide festive meals for those who would be spending the day alone.

People heard about the initiative on Facebook and 35 volunteers came forward to help with preparing vegetables, cooking potatoes, helping on the van as well as delivering to people’s homes.

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Those who received a meal were nominated by residents who knew people who would appreciate it such as the elderly, the disabled, the homeless and low income families.

Mr Hall said: “The volunteers were brilliant and a big thank you to all that donated. Facebook has been buzzing and it’s a credit to the people of Bicester.”

People also received goodie bags that were donated by Bicester residents with gifts and treats.

The couple, who set up their van in Market Square, also served emergency service staff who were on duty.

Companies and individuals made generous donations which made the day possible including Wild Meadow, Lewis’s Butchers, Fresh Direct, John Ralph, Adam Coggins and The Hummingbird Centre.

Others who contributed were The Finest Catch, Goss’s Butchers, Adam Wade, Stephen Weldrake and Ollie Franklin.

Asked whether the couple would take to the van again on Christmas Day this year, Mr Hall said: “It would be nice to give someone else the opportunity to do something as it is an amazing feeling.”

People took to Facebook praising the pair.

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Rosemary Thorne, who was one of the volunteers, said: “Well done to all involved. I arranged the dinners for two people who thoroughly enjoyed it in every way. They want to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”

Resident Sarah Crofts said: “I couldn’t love this more. Well done to you for all the hard work and generosity of time, spirit and resources.”

After her long day of service, Mrs Hall said: "What a great day we’ve had, volunteers were absolutely amazing and everything went so well , thank you each and every one of you for helping us today - you should all be proud of yourselves. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we have."