WAR veterans and pensioners got into the festive spirit at an annual Christmas party.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) welcomed more than 140 war veterans and pensioners to its Newport headquarters on Thursday, for the annual Pensioners and Veterans Christmas Party.

Volunteers from the ONS and Intellectual Property Office waited on tables, among them the UK’s national statistician John Pullinger and deputy Iain Bell.

Mr Pullinger said: “This annual party is a great opportunity to bring local people together.

“At this time of year we are reminded of the importance of tackling loneliness and of the power of communities, making this event one which I look forward to each year.”

The guests were made up of veterans and pensioners from the Newport area, as well as Royal British Legion poppy sellers from across Wales, who were nominated for the meal by the British Legion.

Amongst the guests was centenarian and oldest poppy seller in the UK Ron Jones, of Bassaleg, a survivor of Auschwitz.

Newport mayor Cllr David Fouweather and mayor of Blackwood, cllr Jan Weeks also attended the event.

Now in its seventh year, the event was organised and managed by the ONS’ Liz Buttigieg, who raised funds for the event by holding cake sales with the help of colleagues, Lewis Babbage and Andrea Wood.

Ms Buttigieg said: “The smiles on their faces make the event all worthwhile, that’s why we keep doing it year after year.”

There were also gift bags given to guests which were provided by NAGRA Media UK.