VOLUNTARY workers in Malvern are to provide a slap-up Christmas dinner to people on their own over the festive season.

The meal will be served at 1pm on December 25 in the Lyttelton Rooms, Church Street, and will be followed by entertainment.

It is being organised by Priory youth worker Richard Ditchburn, who said: "This is the first year we've done it and I'd like to seek it become an annual event.

"It will be staffed by volunteers and if the response confirms the need, then we will continue with it."

Mr Ditchburn has enough provisions to cope with up to 50 people. Although the dinner will be free, admission will be by ticket only, available from the Priory parish office on 01684 892217.

The meal is aimed at elderly people, single parents and anybody else who may find themselves alone on Christmas Day.

The volunteers helping out will come from churches around Malvern.

Mr Ditchburn said: "I've wanted to do this for many years now. I just feel that there are hundreds of people sitting out there alone.

"Christmas for us is a happy time but for them it's not and it shouldn't be that way. The only cost to us is a couple of hours of our time, and that's what it is all supposed to be about at the end of the day - helping out each other and looking after each other. "