A hostel for homeless young people and Swindon School of Brass have been given a festive boost, thanks to The Co-operative Food.

Swindon School of Brass and The Foyer hostel for young people, in Old Town, entered the food retailer’s competition for community groups from across the country to a win a party pack full of seasonal essentials.

The packs are filled with enough crackers, papers plates, cups, balloons, napkins and tablecloths for 50 people and also contain £100 of vouchers to spend at The Co-operative Food on Christmas treats and nibbles.

Swindon School of Brass’ entry impressed the judges with its community spirit and plans to hold a party for players and volunteers who have had a difficult year with the loss of their leader.

Judges were equally impressed with Sarah Higgins’ entry on behalf of The Foyer, that described working with young people on weekly cooking sessions and the desire to hold a party for the young people and volunteers at what can sometimes be a difficult time of year.

The Co-operative Food, which has a store in every UK postal area, provided a £10,000 festive fund to support 100 community groups make sure their Christmas parties go with a bang this year. The Co-operative judges were inundated with entries from every corner of the UK.

Helen Nunn, the head of marketing at The Co-operative Food said: “The parties being organised by Mrs Ferris and Sarah Higgins really stood out to our judging panel who thought it showed that the Christmas spirit is alive and well among the Swindon community.”