It was party time at the Bull in Brantham as regular participants in the pub's Meet Up mornings celebrated its first anniversary.

While many venues hold their Coffee Rural Caravan inspired weekly meetings on a Monday, The Bull, hosted by Paul and Gemma Chenery, holds theirs each week on a Wednesday and it has proved hugely popular.

Open to all, people are invited to pop in for a free cuppa and usually biscuits or cake, and most importantly, a natter..

The initiative gives Suffolk's hospitality businesses like the Bull the chance to strengthen their local community and show that the commercial world also cares about ending loneliness.

Angela Steadman, a regular to the Bull's Meet Up Wednesdays, said: "I find it a lifesaver. Sometimes I don't see anyone for a few days at a time, so I really look forward to come here, and everyone is so lovely."

Colin Orman added: "It has changed my life really. When I first retired I didn't really do anything at all but now I look forward to these Wednesday and come all the time."

In addition to the amazing spread, including a chocolate swirl cake, a quiz and a bingo session were enjoyed by the gathering.

Brantham district councillor Alastair McCraw is among villagers supporting the event financially by giving a grant from his locality award funding, specifically designed to support community initives.

He said: ''For me, it's a wonderful way to bring people together and reduce rural isolation, even in larger communities.

"Also, I get to see people I've known for years. I'm very pleased to support this kind of thing.''

Jackie Smith said how grateful the users were to all those that made the weekly meetings at the Bull happen: "I want to thank Gemma, Pam and Alastair from Babergh for providing the biscuits and tea and also our sponsor Chamberlain Phillips for their support in making Meet Up Wednesday's the success it is."