A DUNFERMLINE bar has been praised for its "kind" gesture to locals in an effort to make sure no-one was left lonely this Christmas.

Jokers Bar & Grill on Hospital Hill sent on an open invitation to anyone wanting some company on Christmas Day.

They put on complimentary homemade soup and snacks and urged people not to spend the day alone.

Their kindness was noticed by Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville, who wrote to them thanking them for their generosity.

She wrote: "I'm writing to thank you for your very kind decision to open your doors on Christmas Day, providing people in the community with a place to go and take part in the festivities.

"Offering free food and activities to those who may have nowhere else to go is such a kind and thoughtful gesture and I'm glad to see this has been greatly appreciated.

"Loneliness can have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental wellbeing, especially during the holidays. Hopefully, your efforts will be a great help to those who may otherwise be suffering in silence."

Jokers Bar & Grill opened as a cocktail bar and restaurant under new management earlier this year.

It’s being led by head chef Jamie Shand, who was chef previously for both the Something Else bar and The Village Grill in Kelty.

Posting on Facebook, the Shand family said: "We have received this incredible recognition for our festive gesture yesterday, giving everyone a place to go on Christmas Day so they wouldn’t be lonely.

"Thank you to everyone who came yesterday, we were honoured to spend Christmas with you ... speechless."