A FARM shop near Andover has helped to spread some festive cheer this Christmas by gifting a number of meals to those less fortunate.

The Weyhill Farm Shop, which recently rebranded as Roberts Butchers, decided to give away 15 turkey breasts to 15 families in the area this Christmas, to help those in need and struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

The shop was inundated with messages after it appealed on its Facebook page for those struggling, or knew of anyone struggling, to get in touch.

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Andover Advertiser: The Weyhill Farm Shop teamThe Weyhill Farm Shop team (Image: The Weyhill Farm Shop)

The giveaway followed the farm shop supporting the charity Veterans in Action Christmas meal, where it helped to feed over 20 veterans.

Sam Pidduck, who has been manager of the shop for over a year, said: "We decided to do a giveaway to try and help some of those who may have been struggling in the run-up to Christmas, and unfortunately because of the times we were living in, we got lots of messages.

"Sadly there's always more people that need help than we can, but we wanted to do our bit and keep it fair, so we effectively picked 15 people at random, and gifted them the 15 turkey breasts.

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"Also, several of our fantastic customers donated to the cause, so we could add a few extra bits into the package, such as hams and gammons, and help ensure families had a lovely Christmas dinner, one which else they may not have had.

"It's nice to help if you can, and we wanted to do something for our community and spread some festive cheer and happiness over the Christmas period. If we can help make a difference, then I'd say that's a job well done."

Sam added that The Weyhill Farm Shop is considering implementing a 'pay it forward scheme', and running more giveaways to support the community in 2024.