A BIG well done must go out to all those involved in the Christmas lunch for residents of Hanover Gardens.

What a fantastic effort by the community.

Residents had a lunch and party afterwards with a disco and band, who all gave their time free.

Hats off to both the Littlebury Hotel and Ex Services’ Club, which both donated venues for the event.

The Littlebury Hotel provided its kitchen, restaurant and staff free of charge — and probably lost cash by not opening its restaurant that lunchtime.

Other businesses across the county also donated food and raffle prizes.

But it was the community who really came together after Private Neil Harding, of 23 Pioneer Regiment, posted a request for help on social networking site Facebook.

The event was organised in a matter of days, and it was not just the party.

People donated raffle prizes, presents for gift baskets that were presented to Hanover residents, so much in fact that there were more than 700 raffle prizes.

Organisers also raised more than £1,300 to help Hanover residents replace any damaged items.

We think Joyce Ricketts summed it up when she said it was “overwhelming”.

Everyone involved should be really proud of themselves. Their actions really lifted the spirits of Hanover residents and showed them that the Bicester community cared.

The flooding at Hanover Gardens on Christmas Eve was a shock to everyone. Many people said they had never seen this kind of flooding in the town centre.

We hope the flooding was a one-off, but that the community spirit will continue.