PADDY ASHDOWN DROPS IN FOR LUNCH AT HAYLE DAY CARE CENTRE

2.00.00pm GMT Fri 18th Dec 2009

Former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown and Julia Goldsworthy MP dropped in for lunch with 40 elderly people at Hayle Day Care Centre.

They pulled Christmas crackers and chatted with the centre's regular lunch guests over lamb hotpot. Julia said the visit was intended to highlight the good work of Hayle Day Centre, which provides regular lunches for elderly people in the Hayle area five days a week, and delivers hot meals to older people who are not mobile.

She said: "The work of Hayle Day Centre is really important, particularly at Christmas time. It gives older people the opportunity to socialise regularly and take advantage of a range of services, from hairdressing to relaxation therapies.

"It was great to be there with Paddy Ashdown, who enjoyed meeting the clients and staff. These facilities provide a unique service for people at the risk of isolation."