GWENT pensioners were treated to a Christmas party at the Newport National Statistics Office on Friday thanks to a generous fundraiser.

For the third year running National Statistics office EO Elizabeth Buttigieg, 59, organised a Christmas party for pensioners and veterans with the aim to bring people together to enjoy each other’s company.

As part of her annual fundraising effort Ms Buttigieg, has been baking 200 to 300 cakes every month to sell in order to raise funds to pay for a three course meal and wine for the pensioners who attend the Christmas event.

“I have always done some sort of charity fundraising for all sorts of charities, but three years ago I was talking to my mum who had been out with her box [to raise funds] for the Royal British Legion," Ms Buttigieg said.

“She was in her late 80’s and I thought I haven’t done anything for pensioners and maybe I could do something like that.”

Ms Buttigieg then came up with the idea of bringing lonely people together at Christmas and contacted various agencies to get them on board before being supported by the Royal British Legion.

The event, now in its third year, has seen the numbers of those attending increase from 100 in its first year to 168 this year.

“Each month I bake 200 to 3000 cupcakes and I take off one day leave every month to sell them," she added.

“It takes two days to bake them and I use the money to pay for a three course meal, wine and transport.”

Guests arrive by coach with each guest receiving a gift bag filled with sweets, biscuits and a small gift.

Members of the Royal British Legion and Mayor of Newport Matthew Evans attended the event and guests were treated to entertainment from actor Steven Lurie, singers Abby Waters and Andrew Waters and author Rosaleen Moriarty.

“There was 40 staff who volunteered to come down and wait on the tables and act as escorts,” Ms Buttigieg added.

“The kitchen staff also stayed late to help.

“Lots of people have come together to help – it has been amazing.”