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A lonely pensioner who placed an ad in a newspaper looking for Christmas company has been flooded with festive cards and gifts.

James Gray, 85, originally from Cork hadn’t received a greeting for nearly 10 years and took out the ad in his South London last week.

His poignant plea struck a chord with people across the world as his quest for company went viral.

And in the space of two days, the retired butler was bombarded with over 300 cards.

He has also been inundated with messages from people who want to spend December 25 with him.

The shocked pensioner said he thought he might only get a handful of well-wishes and he has been overwhelmed by the response.

He said: “I thought maybe there would be nine or 10 cards because I didn’t get a single one for my birthday.

“But these are going to keep me busy until the New Year!”

The 300 cards he is leafing through are the product of just two days’ worth of deliveries.

One group of people who sent cards included fifth class pupils from Gaelscoil Philib Barun in Tramore, Co Waterford.

They were inspired by his story and made him a selection of cards to send to the Cork pensioner in London.

Their teacher Aine Breatnach said: “They are really looking forward to finding out if his story has a happy ending.”

He has also received gifts from far flung places which included toffee sweets and a bottle of whiskey.

He told the Irish Post: “This response is overwhelming.

“When I put the advertisement in, I thought I might get a couple of quick calls, but now I can see that all these people have gone to the trouble of writing, which I could never have expected.

“I suppose by having my photograph out there people are thinking ‘Look at this poor old chap, he has taken the courage’.”

The delighted pensioner described how he’d love to hold a massive party for everyone who’s responded but he’s afraid his flat is too small.

He added: “It is wonderful that so many people have written to me.

“I wish I could have all these people in my flat for a party, but those days are gone.

“There used to be 20 or 30 in here at one time for a party, but not anymore.

“It looks like these cards have come from all over the country.

“My carer is coming tomorrow and she is going to get a shock.

“It is a pity I did not do this some years ago, but I suppose it is never too late.”