A WINCHESTER woman opened her house to anyone who wanted company and a home-cooked meal on Christmas Day.

Barbara Colson, 53, of Romsey Road, posted on Streetlife and Facebook inviting anyone needing somewhere to go for their Christmas dinner to join her at her home.

Her offer received more than 100 comments from well-wishers on social media.

She said: "I always worked in catering and my Christmas has been a quiet affair after I lost my husband two years ago - I look after my elderly mother.

"I like having people over and I am very much a people person. I've been blown away by the response from this. It has completely snowballed.

"Christmas dinner at restaurants can be a bit money-orientated and I have lots of room in my house."

Barbara cooked a traditional dinner for her guests, with a turkey donated to her by a friend.

She has also had food donated for the meal from those who are not attending, including a Christmas cake, cranberry sauce and pigs in blankets.

After hosting Christmas for her guests, Barbara said: "Those who made it had great fun. The first guest arrived at 10.15 am and the last guest left at 10.50pm. We were six in the end as bad colds and the sickness bug lost us four, but those who did join us ate very well."

Throughout the year, Barbara also hosts a number of other guests, including lodgers and students learning English in Winchester.

Barbara added: "I don't see why I wouldn't host it again next year. It's fun to have people round. If this makes someone's day, then it makes mine as well."