Elderly residents have been knitting warm hats for their ready meal delivery drivers to express their "heartfelt thanks" this Christmas season. 

This heart-warming gesture from customers of Wiltshire Farm Foods in Basildon comes as a token of appreciation for the delivery drivers, who ensure food reaches customers come rain or shine during the Christmas period.

One customer, Vora Peck, expressed her enjoyment in creating these woolly hats to show her gratitude.

She said: “Knitting is a favourite pastime of mine, and it was a pleasure to express my heartfelt thanks to the hardworking delivery drivers who always wear a smile at my door with a personal knitted gift.

“I hope this small gesture brings some warmth and joy this festive season.”

Customers have gifted these handmade hats to drivers at their doorsteps, spreading some unexpected festive joy while the workers are out on their daily rounds.

Jamie Coughlan, owner of the Wiltshire Farm Foods site in Basildon, says: “It’s incredibly touching to see our customers hand crafting these gifts for our team. Our drivers are loving their hats and are very grateful for the special recognition.

“They really value the relationship they build with our customers that they deliver to - week in, week out.

“These hats will certainly make our drivers’ rounds a lot merrier over these colder months.”