VOLUNTEERS are looking for guests for Calne's first ever Mayor's Christmas lunch which will be provided for free to the elderly and vulnerable.

Councillor Tom Rounds announced that one of his charity projects will the Christmas Day lunch which members of the Calne Baptist Church have organised for 80 guests in the hopes of bringing the community together in the spirit of the festive season.

"I am aware that more and more people in our community - young and old - are spending Christmas Day alone through no fault of their own," Coun Rounds said. "They are without family or friends with whom they can celebrate the day and will spend their lunch by themselves.

"Additionally, there are young families for whom the cost of providing a full Christmas Day lunch is beyond their means and so the children miss out on the experience.

"My Calne Mayor's Christmas Day Lunch is aimed at giving these people a sense of belonging and family in the community. It is a gesture of honour and humility for those of us that are involved in providing the event and I am grateful for the response for assistance from the local businesses that have agreed to offer help to the cause."

The volunteers for the lunch, which will take place from 12-3.30pm on Sunday, December 25 at the Town Hall, will provide 80 people with food, entertainment and presents funded from local businesses and organisations such as the Rotary Club and the Royal British Legion.

One volunteer Stan Woods said: "It is a free of charge Christmas dinner, which will be as good as you would have at home and we will also have entertainment and a conjurer that will come round the tables alongside Father Christmas and presents for everyone."

For more information about the lunch or to nominate someone you know as a guest or volunteer your services as a driver visit www.calnexion.org.uk/cdl.