Alone this Christmas in Selston? - dinner is served.

Cathy McLean and Sarah Merrin are giving back to the local community by providing Christmas dinner for 35 people absolutely free.

But despite a huge response of people and businesses donating food and provisions for the event, the pair are struggling to find enough guests at the feast.

They have sent out an SOS to stop the event becoming a festive flop.

Cathy 45 said: “I lost my brother in September and I wanted to do something this Christmas to give me something to occupy my mind.

“I had always wanted to do something like this so I called Sarah and we got on with it.

“We decided to put on a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and bring some happiness laughs and companionship.”

Cathy added: “Although donations of food and party goodies have been coming in thick and fast it seems like we’re short of local lonely people.

“It could be people who are on their own, older people or single parents who are struggling to afford to do it themselves

“If you know somebody, or a few people who would benefit from some company and a hot meal on Christmas Day, contact me or Sarah so we know how many to cook for.

“Everyone has been so generous and it would be a shame for it to go to waste.

“Transport can be provided as long as the guests are fairly local.”

She says the offer is open to people of all ages from within a radius of around 7 miles of the village

The dinner will be held on Christmas Day at the Parish Hall Selston and the meal will be served at around 1pm, though the venue will be open from 8am-6pm.

Bingo sessions and a mini-disco have been planned as well as other activities.

Donations can be made at Selston Co-Op, Selston Sarnies and Portland Road Post Office. To book a place Cathy can be contacted on 07539485315 and Sarah on 07507127947.