Two care homes in Devizes received a special Christmas delivery from the Wadworth dray, helped by two of Bath Rugby’s star players who delivered hampers and bottles of 6X to the residents.

Max the Shire horse pulled the dray which was driven by head horseman Martin Whittle, assisted by his son, horseman Callum who also works with the Wadworth horses.

Max was dressed for the occasion with red ribbons in his mane and on his harness, and decorations on his dray.

Travelling on the dray were back row Matt Garvey, a key player in Bath’s impressive form so far this season, and Samoan international prop Anthony Perenise. Wadworth is one of Bath Rugby’s major sponsors.

The first stop was Southfield House in Victoria Road where manager Val Weston met the dray accompanied by resident Tom Conbeer, who, like 6X, is celebrating his 90th birthday this year.

Several of the other residents came out to see Max, and then the Bath players spent time chatting to residents before presenting two hampers full of Wadworth 6X goodies such as cake and fudge, as well as some bottles of 6X for the residents to enjoy.

“We’ve been looking forward to this,” said Val.

“Everyone wanted to see Max, and we’ve got our Christmas party tonight so the beer and hampers are very welcome."

This is the last Christmas the residents of Southfield House will spend in their current home, as they move to new premises in Halton Road next year.

The dray then moved onto Mayfield Care Home in Nursteed Road, where they were met by manager Sharon Cottrell and several residents.

“The residents have been really excited about meeting the players and seeing the dray,” said Sharon.

“The hampers and beer will be a very welcome part of our Christmas festivities.”

“It was a pleasure for us to take the dray along to meet some of Devizes' oldest residents and to wish them a very happy Christmas,” said Paul Sullivan, Wadworth sales and marketing director.

“Max is always a star wherever he goes, and this time he was accompanied by two more ‘heavyweights’ – a pair of Bath Rugby’s finest players. They certainly made an impact at the homes they visited and brought some festive cheer!”