MORE than  200 people joined the Lord Mayor of York and city dignatories for some festive fun at this year’s annual Christmas Cheer receptions.

The event, which is hosted by the civic party, included entertainment from local schoolchildren and members of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir. Funding was provided by a number of local businesses including Yorkshire Building society, who gave a £500 donation from their Charitable Foundation.

Guests, all of whom were aged 65 and over included Laura Collier who celebrated her 100th birthday in September. They were also treated to morning and afternoon tea as well and mince pies and crackers provided by Tesco Extra at Askham Bar.

The Lord Mayor, Coun Julie Gunnell, said: “It’s a fantastic time when the elderly come together. Local businesses offer support off their own back and one of the schoolchildren has even asked me if they could do it all over again.”

Duncan Bartlett, the community champion for Tesco Askham Bar, said: “We are proud once again to support the Christmas Cheer Receptions as part of Tesco’s community initiative.”