Christmas came early for some older people in York thanks to local volunteers.

Residents of seven care homes across the city have been joined by local business volunteers who have spend their lunch hour singing carols, playing bingo and chatting to residents over mince pies.

Gelayol Holme, Senior Administrator at York St John University, was one of the volunteers at the Christmas party at Grove House care home on Monday, and said: “I enjoy participating in the parties to help share some festive spirit with York’s elderly residents and hopefully get their Christmas off to a great start. It is a lovely feeling to be part of the local community by offering little acts of kindness to others. It seems like a small thing, but it can make a big difference.”

The Christmas parties this week include Oakhaven care home, Haxby Hall, Gale Farm Court, Morrell House, Willow House, and Woolnough House, with staff from Waitrose, Aviva, Tesco, Benenden, Best Western and the University of York also taking part.

Helen Jackson, volunteering project officer at York Cares, who has arranged the events, said: “We work with 40 businesses around the city, helping to make York a better place. The volunteers enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit and brightening the day for the residents."

York Cares is also encouraging local businesses to collect toiletries, festive food and toys and donate them to community projects helping people in crisis. These include Arc Light, Carecent, young people in temporary accommodation and York Foodbank.

For further information on how to get involved, visit www.yorkcares.co.uk