A GENEROUS Worcester landlady has captured the true spirit of Christmas by organising a festive lunch with all the trimmings for dozens of pensioners - for free.

Della Daniels, the landlady of The Mayflower, in Dines Green, is keen to whip up community spirit and seasonal goodwill with the Christmas meal on Wednesday, December 14.

There will be a free roast turkey lunch, with pudding, followed by carol-singing at the Grenville Road pub.

Ms Daniels, who took over The Mayflower a year ago, already has 37 senior citizens from the Dines Green and St John's areas signed up, and there is still space for more.

She said: "It's for the older people who live in and around Dines Green.

"There's a church and community centre for them, but I want them to know they are welcome here as well.

"It should be great fun and, of course, it's that time of year.

"But it's not just about Christmas. There's not too much for older people around and we are a community pub and like helping out."

In the past year, Ms Daniels and the Mayflower's regulars have raised £4,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital through a number of charity events, as well as raising cash for leukaemia causes.

Lisa Lang, assistant manager of the West Worcester Live at Home Scheme, which helps older people who wish to remain at home but need support, was amazed by the gesture. The group is planning to send at least 10 senior citizens to the do.

"I heard about it through one of the ladies here and gave the pub a call," she said. "The landlady, Della, just said 'let me know how many you want to bring'.

"It is a lovely story. You don't get anything for free nowadays and a lunch for older people is a great community gesture. It's what Christmas is all about."

The free meal is open to senior citizens in the Dines Green area and for more information on the event contact Della Daniels at the pub on 01905 429471.