THE BASINGSTOKE and District Disability Forum (BDDF) had a special guest for some Christmas cheer.

The mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Sean Keating, joined members of the group to make Christmas boxes at the Café in the Park in Beggarwood.

The group also held a Christmas raffle and took part in other activities.

The BDDF provides opportunities for disabled people in the local area to get out the house and socialise, as well as learn about different skills through the group as they meet on the first Tuesday of each month.

ConneXions co-ordinator for the BDDF, Amanda Knowles, said: “The ConneXions sessions have got a lovely following, and people can really enjoy them. It can be really good for people to have the opportunity to get out of the house.

“We’ve got more events happening in the new year. With help from the council, we will be holding both an information support day and a reverse job fair on February 20 at the Sports Centre in town.

“It will feature local charities and businesses, and will build up people’s confidence and employers will hopefully find someone they can give a job to.”