A SUPERMARKET delivered the 'Christmas spirit' with a donation of goods after thieves broke into sheltered accommodation and stole pensioners' dinner.

Whole turkeys, legs of lamb and other frozen food were taken from a shed near Abbeyfield's MacGregor House, Manor Road, on December 18.

This left residents feeling upset and as though Christmas had been ruined, but Tesco stepped in to help.

Patrick Piercy, store manager at Salisbury Extra, said he and his colleagues were shocked to see someone had stolen the residents' Christmas dinner after reading about it in the Journal.

"We could not believe that someone would do such a thing. However, we turned our thoughts to how could we help and I knew that as a business in the heart of Salisbury, we couldn't stand by and let Christmas be ruined," he added.

Salisbury Journal: Colleague Simon with store manager Patrick Piercy, who delivered the food.Colleague Simon with store manager Patrick Piercy, who delivered the food. (Image: Tesco)

Patrick and his colleague Simon, who brought the story to his attention, surprised residents with a donation on Christmas Eve.

"We were able to provide about ten half legs of lamb and four salmon sides as well as all your usual Christmas goodies. We were glad to bring some Christmas spirit back," Mr Piercy said.

Keith Driscoll lives at Boldre House and initially felt very upset about the theft but was thankful when Patrick arrived with more food.

"This was a very kind and generous thing to do and we are very grateful. Thank you from the residents of Abbeyfield," he said.