Pub cooks free Christmas dinner for pupils

Staff at the Perch and Pike in South Stoke made Christmas particularly special for the children of the village school (Oxfordshire’s smallest) by cooking a full Christmas dinner for them.

The pub is just 80m from the school and the new management team, led by Brookton Simmons, was inspired by chef and school parent Vicky Ould to make the children’s annual party extra special this year.

Jo Wyton, who chairs the school’s parents’ association, said: “When the Perch and Pike offered to help with the party we were so happy and what they produced was something else.

“We really want to thank Brook, Vicky and all the team at the pub for cooking us such a delicious spread and, amazingly, all free.

“The Christmas spirit was alive and well in South Stoke and the pupils had a brilliant afternoon.”

Above, left to right, Naomi Hallam, Nicola Dean, Jo Baker, Teresa Parfitt, Raquel Webster and Jo Wyton, of the parents’ association, and right, the children being served.