A KIND-HEARTED businessman has turned Santa Claus to save the Christmas Day dinner for more than 100 people at a Pendle community centre.

Supporters of St Joseph’s Community Centre in Barnoldswick had been making preparations for their annual festive feast, to cater for those left on their own on December 25.

But their well-used oven decided to give up the ghost, leaving kitchen staff and centre bosses in a quandary.

So Cllr Jennifer Purcell, who represents the Craven ward on Pendle Council, approached Lee Duerden, chief executive of XCLR Vehicle Management in Colne, to ensure that the St Joseph guests could enjoy their Yuletide tuck-in.

And no sooner had she finished outlining their plight than the generous businessman agreed to answer their prayers.

Cllr Purcell said: “He just told me to go out and look for a replacement and that the company would meet the cost.

“We managed to find one for just over £3,000 eventually and it will mean that not only our Christmas meal has been saved but our regular luncheon club will not go without as well.”

“All the volunteers of St Joseph’s have been overwhelmed by the kind generosity of Lee and everyone at XLCR.

“This community centre gives so much pleasure to the needy in our area and we could not host these events without their kindness and help.”

Ben Metcalfe, an XLCR official, performed the official handover to the kitchen volunteers, who have already been putting their new equipment to good use, cooking up a storm for several functions.

The community centre is housed in a former church school, which originally opened to pupils in 1914, and has been steadily renovated over a number of years.

Last year the Bolland Street venue was given a £10,000 helping hand from the Big Lottery Fund to assist with the refurbishment efforts and future modifications are still in the pipeline.

Mr Duerden and his team are also the principal backers of the husky dog track run by SIBES off Greenfield Road in Colne, which opened last year, and has held the naming rights for Colne FC’s ground for several years.

The Colne-based company, which now employs more than 30 people, was founded 16 years ago by Mr Duerden and his managing director Shaun O’Neill.”