East Preston residents revel at a '˜gem' of a guest

The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Jonathan Lucas, was guest of honour at Green Willows residential care home, in Vicarage Lane.

He popped by to back the centre’s Christmas fund-raiser, which generated about £500 for the care home’s entertainment budget for residents.

Diane Denyer, manager at Green Willows, said: “It was absolutely fabulous.

“He gave us a recital of what the High Sheriff does. He was an absolute gem of a man.”

During the day, residents and staff sold everything from bric-a-brac and cakes to freshly baked mince pies.

Diane said the day was a very well attended one, with villagers flocking to the home to join in all the festivities.

“It was a lovely atmosphere. It was buzzing,” she said. “All the residents couldn’t believe how many people came in. It really was so special for them.”

Diane explained that the sum raised was slightly down from the summer fête, which raised more than £900. However, she was still delighted with the cash generated.