ELDERLY residents from South Bank were special guests for Christmas dinner at a Teesside bail hostel yesterday.
It is the first event to be held at Nelson House probation and bail hostel, also in South Bank, since it was opened in January as a replacement for the South Bank bail hostel.
The hostel provides a secure environment, with 24-hour staffing and support for 22 male residents.
The residents are not allowed off the premises between 11pm and 7am unless they are travelling to or from work.
They are also required to look for work or go to college, to improve their employment prospects.
Residents are regularly tested for drugs and must behave well towards others.
Hostel manager Ted Goldstraw said the staff and residents tried to be good neighbours, and maintain the areas surrounding the hostel, as well as offering manpower to help with churches or community group activities.
He said: "It is important that we extend the spirit of Christmas to neighbours. Showing hospitality to others is a valuable experience for hostel residents."
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