Pub runs clever appeal to provide every care home resident in Milton Keynes town with the Christmas gift of their dreams

The Kings Arms in Newport Pagnell organised a special appeal with Castlemead, Tickford Abbey and Westbury care homes and asked local people to help.

Each home allocated a number to every single resident, then sent details of their interests and what their ideal gift would be.

Townspeople wanting to help were given a number and asked to buy a present accordingly. For example 'W30' was described as "a local gentleman who spent his life running a farm locally and this is still a passion for him."

The description added: "He would love anything to do with farming, maybe a good book and perhaps a Newport Pagnell calender for his wall."

'W32' is "a lovely lady who enjoys a good cuppa, takes pride in her appearance and adores all that is Nivea", while 'W34' loves "cuddly toys and cosy things like fluffy socks or a soft blanket".

Newportonians flocked to help and within days all the numbers were allocated. Now the pub is asking for gifts for the hard-working staff too at the three homes. These can be dropped off at the pub and simply labelled 'staff'.

A Kings Arms spokesman said: "During 2020 care homes across the country have worked tirelessly to protect and care for their residents. With restrictions and fear of passing the virus to our most vulnerable in Newport Pagnell there will be limited visits and so we want to help as a community.

"We are working with Castlemead, Tickford Abbey and Westbury care homes to ensure that every resident wakes up to a gift this Christmas day."

To support the town, the pub asked volunteers to shop locally if they could.

All the gifts have been dropped off at the pub, which has been closed during lockdown, and staff will deliver them in time for Christmas morning.