A pub in Ulverston is fighting against loneliness this Christmas by inviting elderly locals for a free meal.

The Mill, found on Mill Street, will be setting a table aside for eight people who would otherwise not have any company on Christmas Day.

It is the second year that the pub is running the scheme, with team hoping that it can become a yearly festive tradition.

Gemma Carradice, Senior Manager at Lancaster Brewery Venues, said: "We took inspiration from the Wellsprings in Sabden and hosted our first elderly guests for Christmas Day last year.

"It was such a pleasure to hear the stories around the table and ensure people didn’t spend the whole afternoon by themselves."

Those who get invited will enjoy a complimentary three course Christmas dinner with all the trimmings alongside other people in the same situation as themselves.

At the time of writing, two guests had already been booked onto the table, so there might not be a lot of time left to nominate yourself or someone you know.

"All we ask is that the guests purchase any drinks and organise their own transport to and from the Mill," Gemma added. 

"We’ll do the rest and provide a delicious home-cooked three course meal from our Christmas Day menu free of charge."

The initiative the Mill's scheme is based on has now been running for seven years at the Wellsprings restaurant on Pendle Hill.

The idea was originally inspired by owner Zak Marhraoui after he forgot to wish his mum a Happy Christmas one year.

It can often be difficult for lonely people to come forward themselves, which is why Gemma and the team at the Mill are encouraging people to nominate others they think are deserving of the treat.

If you are interested, or know someone who deserves a bit of festive cheer this year, then contact gemma.carradice@lancasterbrewery.co.uk to book before it is too late.