The Salvation Army is having a busy Christmas Day in Newton Abbot today, as they spread good cheer to those in need.
And they are inviting anyone who is homeless to join them for a Christmas meal.
On Christmas morning the band is visiting Newton Abbot Community Hospital where it will be playing Christmas carols.
And back at The Salvation Army hall on Union Street, a Christmas meal will be prepared for members of the lunch club and local homeless people.
Major William Slade said: ‘We’re also inviting some local people who are experiencing homelessness to come along – there is a warm welcome at The Salvation Army for everyone.
‘We’re expecting 20 to 25 people. For me it’s just the joy you get of seeing folk enjoy themselves and seeing folk enjoy each other’s company.
‘A couple of years ago, we even had the mayor here and he took his coat off, rolled up his sleeves and was serving Christmas dinner.’
The lead-up to Christmas was also a very busy time for The Salvation Army in Newton Abbot.
Major Slade added: ‘From the second week of December, we were making up food and toy parcels for the referrals that we get from social services and local schools.
‘We run a local toy appeal and the local Tesco acts as a donation and collection point and has done so for the last four or five years and we make the parcels up in good time so that they can be delivered for Christmas.
‘For the toys, we get a list of the children’s ages and what sex they are and we made up parcels for them and social services deliver them.
‘The band is busy at Christmas and we were at Stover Country Park for a carol service. It’s very popular and the council has to limit the numbers that attend because it’s so popular.
‘We were also out in the town centre carolling and visiting retirement homes in the area.’