A FORTY-year festive tradition was continued as more than a hundred people enjoyed Christmas dinner together in Braintree.

The Salvation Army Hall in Rayne Road hosted families and residents from Felsted, Silver End, Witham, Halstead and Braintree to enjoy a traditional meal this Christmas.

A total of 129 people benefited from the Christmas meal service, made possible with the help of more than 50 volunteers.

Helpers cooked up the food, served the meals and delivered them to addresses in the area.

The volunteers delivered 67 meals to residents in their own homes, with the remainder served on Christmas Day at the Salvation Army Hall.

Families in the area were also supplied with toys and other gifts for the festive season.

The meals service was organised by David and Cathy Mann, and financed by local donations.

Mr Mann paid tribute to the efforts of volunteers and their willingness to give their time at Christmas to help others.

He also thanked the many who had contributed financially to the Salvation Army to enable its various welfare and residential projects to function.