Carols around the Christmas tree, stories with Santa and alpacas dressed as reindeer provided some festive cheer as a community event was hailed a success.

A community Christmas event attracted a fine turnout to The Navigator centre and Lowestoft Library.

Realise Futures, an information, advice and guidance service in Lowestoft supporting individuals aged over 18 who have learning disabilities and or autism, held a special festive event.

As Realise Futures is a free service and also engages in the local community through peer groups, they organised a 'Community Christmas' bonanza at the Navigator and Lowestoft Library.

Lowestoft Journal: Realise Futures successful community Christmas eventRealise Futures successful community Christmas event (Image: Realise Futures)

With the free event arranged by Debbie Ellis and Anita Fiddy, from Realise Futures, it attracted a good turnout.

The organisers said it was held to "bring the community together."

Lowestoft Journal: Mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green at the Realise Futures community Christmas eventMayor of Lowestoft Alan Green at the Realise Futures community Christmas event (Image: Realise Futures)

With free refreshments and mince pies provided, mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green and Woody Bear from Pleasurewood Hills supported the event.

Lowestoft Journal: Woody Bear and alpacas at the Realise Futures community Christmas eventWoody Bear and alpacas at the Realise Futures community Christmas event (Image: Realise Futures)

A spokesman for Realise Futures said: "The Waveney Singers sang traditional Christmas carols around the Christmas tree, there were alpacas dressed as reindeer and Woody Bear made an appearance to have photos with the children and adults."

The National Literacy Trust-led Get Suffolk Reading campaign gave out books, while all children who attended were given free bags of chocolate sprouts or chocolate turkeys that had been funded through donations from a local charity.

Lowestoft Journal: The Realise Futures community Christmas eventThe Realise Futures community Christmas event (Image: Realise Futures)

The Realise Futures spokesman added: "With lots of raffle prizes donated from local charities and stores that gave generously to support the day, one of our service users Ryan was DJ, and he started the event by playing Christmas songs.

"Our thanks go to Sue and Betty for serving refreshments, while other service users were able to help in the café area to serve refreshments and mince pies, and some just came along to enjoy the Christmas spirit.

Lowestoft Journal: The Realise Futures community Christmas eventThe Realise Futures community Christmas event (Image: Realise Futures)

"This event was organised to bring the community together, combat isolation and loneliness at this festive time of year."

Hailing the event a success, organisers Debbie and Anita thanked the Lowestoft Library management and staff for use of their space, Realise Futures careers and progression manager for learning coaching and advice, Katrina, and "everyone who has supported" the events they have ran throughout the year.