A Fakenham pub captured the true spirit of Christmas by dishing up free Christmas meals in a bid to combat loneliness. 

The Crown, in Fakenham, offered dinners to those who might be feeling lonely over the festive season.

On Monday (December 19), landlady Alie May-Hannam welcomed 20 people for a hearty meal with all the trimmings, before they were treated to carol singing from parish church-goers led by the Reverend Tracy Jessop.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Fakenham Fire Service helping at The Crown during its free festive mealFakenham Fire Service helping at The Crown during its free festive meal (Image: Alie May-Hannam)

Fakenham's firefighters and a number of local volunteers helped with the food and washing up. 

The pub even received a £25 donation from a Dereham woman who wanted to help with the cost of food, while another woman made hampers full of festive goodies for a raffle. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: People tuck into their festive meal at The Crown, in FakenhamPeople tuck into their festive meal at The Crown, in Fakenham (Image: Alie May-Hannam)

Mrs May Hannam, who organised the event, said: "I would like to thank everyone that came along to help or to enjoy the meal - it was truly a wonderful day.

"It was very much a community event and I would definitely love to do it again next year."