For the 48th year running the Rotary Club will be staging its annual festive event in Battersea Park for older residents who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone.

Guests will be collected from their homes and driven to the park where a heated marquee and a free slap-up Christmas meal with all the trimmings awaits them - along with live music and dancing.

Each one will also receive a present and a take home Christmas night supper before being driven home.

To make the event another runaway success the organisers are looking to recruit additional volunteers who would be willing to spend just a little of their time helping out on Christmas Day.

Helpers are needed anytime between 9am and 5pm and can choose to work all day if they can or just for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. In return they too will be given a delicious lunch and be able to share in the true spirit of Christmas.

William J Gallagher, President of the Rotary Club of Battersea Park, said: "Around 400 people attend the lunch each year and it is all completely free - guests do not pay a penny. It is Rotary's way of saying Happy Christmas to elderly people in Wandsworth.

"In order to make things run smoothly though it does need volunteers, which is why we are urging local people to please help if they can. Volunteering for this annual event will help make Christmas Day really special for an elderly person and help spread the true spirit and message of Christmas."

People interested in volunteering should contact the Rotary Club of Battersea Park on (020) 8767 3948 or visit www.rotarychristmasday.org.uk/.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the rotary club to help them fund this worthwhile event can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/rotarychristmasday