CHRISTMAS came early for a couple who have dedicated more than 25 years to helping others in their community.

Tom and Vera Brown have volunteered for decades at the Magna complex in Hibernia Close, Bridport, to help other residents with tasks such as shopping.

Now the couple have been thanked by their friends and neighbours with a surprise party and presentation.

They will also have a bench dedicated to them for their continuous hard work.

It will be sited outside of the Hibernia Community Hall and will be delivered and installed by Magna by the new year.

Organising weekly bingo, coffee mornings, shopping and hospital visits are the sort of tasks the couple take on and they also wake up early to sweep the leaves away from front doors.

Mr Brown, 88, said: “We do it because we like to help people and we get enjoyment out of helping others. We were up early making sandwiches for this week’s bingo, we didn’t realise it was a surprise party for us.”

The couple were presented with flowers, wine and chocolates at the group’s Christmas party by the grateful residents.

Tom and Vera have been married for 64 years, and moved into the Magna complex following their retirement.

Hazel Richards, who organised the surprise party for them and made the presentations, said: “They are constantly visiting friends, making trips to the hospital to take things for patients, taking people shopping or doing someone’s shopping for them.

“They are really wonderful people and it’s a pleasure to know them.”