VOLUNTEERS are providing some festive cheer for people who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.

Daphne Bowes, from Pickering, has recruited 14 helpers to cook Christmas dinner for people expected to spend the day on their own.

She said: “I run the lunch club and I realised there were going to be a few people who would be by themselves at Christmas, so I decided to do something about it. We have received some very generous donations from various groups and people in the town, including the Lions and the Rotary Club, who will provide transport,” she said. “There will be no charge for those coming to the Christmas dinner.”

Daphne said she normally spent the day with her family, but would now join them later in the afternoon.

Anyone who would like to join the Christmas Day lunch, at the Methodist Schoolroom in Potter’s Hill, Pickering, must phone Daphne on 01751 475143 before Sunday, December 22.