Preston pub to deliver free Christmas dinners to vulnerable residents in heartwarming community appeal

A Preston landlady is appealing for volunteers to help deliver free Christmas dinners to vulnerable residents who might otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.

Elaine Bradley, landlady of the Hesketh's Arms in Ribbleton, is organising the festive initiative to support elderly, housebound and isolated people across the local community.

The pub will open its doors between 10am and 4pm on Christmas Day, while Elaine and her team prepare free Christmas dinners for delivery to those who need them most.

The initiative will focus on Ribbleton and surrounding neighbourhoods, including Brookfield, Moor Nook, Callon, Farringdon Park, Trees Estate and Holme Slack.

Speaking to Central Radio, Elaine explained why she wanted to make a difference.

"We don't want to be seeing our vulnerable people being left at home, you know, like with no Christmas dinner or family around them or anything like that."

The pub is now appealing for volunteer drivers to help distribute the meals, while also welcoming donations of new Christmas presents to accompany the deliveries.

Elaine hopes the gesture will bring some festive cheer to residents who may have nobody to celebrate with.

"There's bound to be somebody out there that's not got somebody," she said.

"Christmas is a time when you shouldn't be on your own."

Although several volunteers have already offered their time, Elaine is keen to hear from more people willing to help, particularly those with vehicles.

Residents are also encouraged to nominate elderly neighbours, vulnerable individuals or anyone who might struggle to ask for assistance themselves.

Elaine, who has been running the pub for almost three years, says the Hesketh's Arms has increasingly become a community-focused venue.

"It's a community pub now. It's not how it used to be, and we just do lots of things for our locals now."

Alongside the Christmas appeal, the pub has recently opened its kitchen, serving traditional pub meals, breakfasts and popular Sunday roasts.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, donate a new Christmas gift, request a free Christmas dinner or nominate someone who could benefit is encouraged to contact Elaine privately through the pub's Facebook page.

Visit The Hesketh's Arms Facebook page for further information.

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