LUCKY Lydbrook pensioners have received a Christmas bonus this year – a £10 voucher to spend in local outlets, courtesy the Lydbook Old Folk Committee.

"Everyone gets one, although you do have to have lived in Lydbrook, Worrall Hill or Joys Green for at least 12 months," says Janet Brain, who helps to organise the handout.

It's one of two big treats the committee has in store for pensioners each year, the other one being an outing – last year Weston, as it has been for some years – which sees up to three coachloads departing for the seaside and even provides the wherewithall to buy lunches.

All the money is raised through events organised by the committee which include coffee mornings, harvest festival auctions and donations.

"We actually find it's the youinger people these days who are the most generous, and I would really like to thank them all," said Janet.

She added they always wanted more help with all their projects and events and if anyone could offer this, or help with a donation, they can call her on 860038 or contact her at the Lydbrook village shop.

"It is very good that we can continue with our events and I hope they go on long into the future," she said.

Any over-65s who want to be on the outings list or who would like to have a little help with their Christmas buying power next year should keep an eye open in the village for posters about the events.