THE traditional Christmas Day visits by the mayor's party began at Abbeyfield House this year.

Mayor, Councillor Jane Gunter, her consort Paul Macer-Wright, the mace bearers John Blake and Mike Brown accompanied by the mayor's sea cadet James Phillips chatted to Greta Brute and Pat Elias before moving on to Parade House where they learnt Kathleen George had celebrated her 100th birthday this year.

The party then moved on to Monnow Vale and visited patients and staff before ending the morning at Drybridge Gardens where they spoke to residents Paul Williams and Nancy Pugh.