TAVISTOCK Specials FC will be throwing an extra special Christmas party this year thanks to a festive boost from the Co-operative Food.

Allen Lewis, from Tavistock Specials FC, entered the food retailer's competition for community groups from across the country to win a party pack full of seasonal essentials. Filled with enough crackers, paper plates, cups, balloons, napkins and tablecloths for 50 people, the packs also contains £100 of vouchers to spend at the Co-operative Food on Christmas treats and nibbles.

Allen's entry impressed the judges with his community spirit, and plans to hold a party for the players and their families.

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.

Allen said: 'It really is the season of goodwill. We are all absolutely over the moon to receive a seasonal party pack from The Co-operative. These goodies really will go a long way in making sure all our volunteers have a very merry Christmas indeed.'

Helen Nunn, head of marketing at the Co-operative Food, said: 'The party Allen was organising really stood out to our judging panel who thought it showed that the Christmas spirit is alive and well among the Tavistock community.'