Christmas joy was spread amongst Helston’s elderly residents thanks to visits from the town’s mayor and mayoress.

Jonathan and Wendy Radford-Gaby paid visits to Trengrouse House, Penhellis Care Home and Godolphin House on Christmas Eve, as well as spending part of their Christmas Day meeting patients at Helston Community Hospital.

They took with them tins of chocolates for the residents to share and spent up to an hour in each place chatting to the pensioners.

Penhellis manager Rebekah Walmsley said the couple spent time with residents in the lounge before going to individual rooms to speak to those unable to get out of bed.

She said: “I think it’s really important to them [the residents]. It’s important for the home to have links with the community and it’s really nice they visit.

“We have residents who have been part of Helston before they came to us and it’s nice for them to carry on some of the traditions.”

Ms Walmsley added that many of the older residents in particular found the visits exciting.

Ann Savli, deputy manager of Trengrouse House, said Mr and Mrs Radford-Gaby spent time speaking with the residents who were up and about.

A particular draw was the mayor’s chain of office, which attracted lots of interest. Ms Savli said: “They liked looking at that!”

Mr and Mrs Radford-Gaby were continuing the annual tradition in Helston that sees the mayor and their consort visiting the elderly and sick of the town to celebrate the festive occasion.