CROSSWORD lover Rita Young pulled out a cracker when asked to describe the Age Concern Christmas party.

“I love the jollifications,” enthused Rita (91) who was enjoying a cream tea, entertainment and a visit from Santa.

She was there with her friend Diana Cann (76) and the two, from Broadway Park, wouldn’t miss the annual bash laid on by the Petersfield branch of the charity.

There were 56 festive hat-wearing, cracker-pulling people aged from 70 to 100 at the event, with Age Concern UK volunteers serving up the scones and tea in Petersfield Community Centre.

Centenarian Pat Stone, of Rother House, Liss, shared a cracker with Ray Betsworth (71), also of Liss. It was a welcome outing for Pat, and for Ray, who lives alone in Liss.

It was his first time at the party and he was enjoying the friendly company.

This was the seventh annual event for Age Concern, which also put on a festive lunch last week for older people in the community who may feel isolated.

“We organise outings too through the year,” said Age Concern volunteer Richard Wheeler. “And this is the first time this party is free so we have got more people here.”

Branch chairman Janice Cotton added: “A lot of them don’t get to go out much, especially when the weather is bad, so this is a chance for them to get together.”

Magic Darren was dazzling the party-goers, including Anna Wood (79) and Joan Clark (94), both of Petersfield, with tricks. Beatrice Murton (91) was looking striking in red, with a cracker hat to match.

“It’s company,” she said. “It’s lovely for those who live alone. I have lots of friends but I still enjoy coming along.” Bunty Eames (92), of Petersfield, agreed: “It’s the company and the atmosphere.”