WHEN the owners of Bude Meals on Wheels, Jacob Prior and Michelle Jones, sat down to work out how to juggle commitments on Christmas Day, the answer came to them in a flash.

They decided to dress up as Santa and treat four of their customers in the town to a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding and a gift.

Jake told the Post: “It was pretty obvious really, make Christmas special for our wonderful customers by involving the whole family.”

With a plan hatched, Santa and his little helpers set off on Christmas Day to deliver their Christmas treat.

Michelle added: “It was truly a lovely way to start Christmas Day. Our regulars were so surprised when we all arrived dressed up with the children wishing them a Merry Christmas and taking them a present. We really enjoyed making it special for so many others and in turn it made ours extra special too!

“The service is for those that don’t have any family, are too old or couldn’t make anything. A lot of the customers can’t leave the house and the service is primarily aimed at older people but we also have younger ones who have their own issues.

“Only four people required a meal on Christmas Day as a lot of people we cater for are in care and the different care places held their own Christmas lunches.

“However, we didn’t charge any more than the usual price, and it was great to give them something nice on the day.”

Jacob and Michelle took over the business in April and are planning on offering a Christmas Day service next year.