LONELY and needy people will find a warm welcome on Christmas Day in St Helens town centre.

The Quakers are offering an open invitation to anyone who would like some company to join them for tea, coffee and mince pies between 10.30am and noon at the Friends’ Meeting House in Church Street.

Friends’ overseer Val Cunningham added: “Singers, musicians, dialect poets or someone who knows some good jokes are welcome to share their talents with others on Christmas morning.

“Marks and Spencer have kindly donated the mince pies.”

If you can offer someone a lift to the event or would like more details call Friends’ clerk Mike Skidmore on 01744 734442 or Val on 01744 892139.

The nearby Hope Centre in Atherton Street will also be extending a helping hand, providing warmth and meals between 9am and 4.30pm on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and December 27.

The centre will also be providing a warm invitation to those who feel down on their luck to enjoy some festive cheer between 9am and noon on January 30 and on New Year’s Eve.