A RESIDENTIAL rehabilitation programme will be throwing an extra special Christmas party this year after winning a Co-operative Food competition.

Jo Drew from the Gilead Foundation entered the food retailer's competition for community groups from across the country to a win a party pack full of seasonal essentials.

Filled with enough crackers, papers plates, cups, balloons, napkins and tablecloths for 50 people, the packs also contact £100 of vouchers to spend at the Co-operative Food on Christmas treats and nibbles.

Jo's entry impressed the judges with plans to hold a Christmas Eve party for 50 people recovering from addiction and homelessness. 

The Co-operative Food provided a £10,000 festive fund to support 100 community groups make sure their Christmas parties go with a bang this year. The Co-operative judges were inundated with entries from every corner of the UK.

Helen Nunn, head of marketing at the Co-operative Food said: 'The party Jo was organising really stood out to our judging panel, who thought it showed that the Christmas spirit is alive and well among the Okehampton community.'

The charity offers a residential rehabilitation programme to those with life-controlling addictions. The farm is currently undergoing a major building project to provide new accommodation.

For more on the charity visit http://www.gilead.org.uk">www.gilead.org.uk