PENSIONERS as old as 103 had youngsters sing carols and serve cake to stop them feeling lonely this Christmas.

Wanstead’s second annual Cakes & Carols event was hailed a roaring success at the United Reformed Church in Nightingale Lane on Saturday (December 17).

Over 70 elderly people came for an afternoon of free tea, cake and Christmas songs, sung by local children and the Our Lady of Lourdes senior choir.

Volunteers from three different generations helped oversee the event, which aimed to brighten the festive season for those who would otherwise be on their own at Christmas.

Wanstead business did their bit, with sausage rolls donated from The Ginger Pig and cakes from Belgique.

Organiser Suzi Harnett said: “The children were really involved on the day, serving cake, chatting to the seniors, and singing them carols.

“We are very much looking forward to next year and would like to thank everyone who helped.”

Redbridge Mayor Cllr Gurdial Bhamra said events like Saturday’s are something he is “really passionate about”.

He added: “We have lots of elderly people in the borough, many of whom live by themselves.

“It was wonderful to see three generations coming together and have our children learn the value of their elders.”