More than 500 elderly people form care homes across the borough were treated to music and food at a church.

Jesus House, in Brent Terrace, Brent Cross, welcomed the guests for its annual Celebration of Life event yesterday afternoon.

Care homes from Barnet and Brent attended the event, which is in its ninth year, and included singing from the church’s choir and a three-course meal.

Organiser Stella Jackson-Obot said: “This is very important to the whole church because it is a way for us to get out and help the community.

“Some of the people who are here from the homes can feel very lonely and isolated and we think it is important we go out and visit them and invite them here.

“Having everyone here is source of great pride to me and the whole church.”

A group within the church called Abigail’s Court visit care homes around the two boroughs every weekend to sing and volunteer.

For the event yesterday members of Jesus House also volunteered their time to help serve drinks and food to visitors.

Speaking to the guests Abiloa Obileye, who helped organise the event, said: “We want to make an impact on the community.

“As a church we take our social responsibility very seriously.”

Judith Conwell, activities coordinator at Apple Tree Care Home in Edgware, said: “We have been coming to this event for three years and I think it is absolutely amazing.

“The church is so welcoming to all the guests and all our residents really look forward to coming here.

“We have some people who have dementia and here they really engage with the music and entertainment. What the church do here is fantastic.”

Guest of one of the homes at the event, Ronald Fisher, 84, said: “I think it it’s a lovely event and really helps all of us feel like they are part of the community.”