CHRISTMAS day can be a lonely time for many but one organisation in the town is ensuring that it is full of laughter and joy.

Since 2001, Disc has provided a free lunch for disadvantaged people around the Cotswolds.

This year, Cirencester businesses, Waitrose, Michael Hart and Son and the Market Garden, will be providing a lavish selection of meat and veg for the meal, which is always well attended and is taking place at the Bingham Hall in Cirencester.

Head of Disc, Dee Drinan, is the brainchild of the event, which is being supported by Churches Together and the Smith's Cirencester Poor charity, and she said she organises it because she gets immense joy from seeing people happy who have not enjoyed a Christmas with loved ones for many years.

She said: “There are people that do not have Christmasses. I want people to remember that this is how it was in their day.We recreate Christmas as it used to be for them.”

“I just feel great [during the event], it breaks my heart really,” Dee said.

Dee added that she would like to see a lot more lower-income families attend the lunch this year.

The food for the meal is prepared and cooked by a team of volunteers and each table has two volunteer hostesses who fall over themselves to ensure that each guest gets everything that they need, before joining them at their table for dinner where they encouraged people to get to know each other.

“The hostess can sit down with the people serving and make sure that they talk because people get shy and nervous. “The whole point is that a person comes in and makes contact with the groups and looks after them.

“I want to thank all the people who have come forward to help. ”

As if that wasn't enough, when dinner is over, each guest is given a raffle ticket and when their number is called they are given the chance a free Christmas gift from a pile that is stacked with items such as books and body oils.

And for those who are unable to transport themselves to the hall and are worried they will not be able to get there, help is at hand.

Dee’s husband, Mark will pick anybody up that needs a lift and drop them back home again afterwards.

Anyone wishing to attend the meal is asked to arrive at the King Street venue at 11.45am, with lunch served at 12.30pm. To volunteer for the meal or request a lift call Dee on 01285 650 950.