A CHRISTMAS Friendship Lunch to help elderly people get out and socialise during the cold winter months was a huge success.

Attendees enjoyed a meal, entertainment from Fringe Festival star Oliver Harris at the Toby Carvery in Dodworth and also got to meet the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Dave and Alison Leech who joined in the event.

Corporate fundraiser for Barnsley Hospice, Simon Atkinson, also popped in.

Kathy Markwick, freelance community consultant, said: “I am delighted with the success of the Friendship Lunches at Toby Carvery and Shaw Lane Sports Centre, which along with the monthly Superjam are excellent tools for us in our quest to combat/reduce loneliness and social isolation.”

Kathy is also involved in organising the monthly, Proud of Barnsley-winning Superjam Tea party, with a Christmas event going ahead next Tuesday featuring entertainment from Oliver.

Tickets must be booked in advance by contacting Kathy on 07729 528844 or via email at kathymarkwick@gmail.com.