A PAIR of kind-hearted Inverclyde businesswomen have set out their plan to spread some comfort and joy by serving up a free festive lunch for people facing the prospect of spending Christmas alone.

Helping Hands owner Heather Miller and Carla Copeland of Green Oak Cleaning and Ironing Services Ltd have joined forces to draw up plans a free lunch for 120 people at the 175 Club.

The pair have run individual events previously but have come together to give some festive cheer to people who are on their own or are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

Carla said: "We though we would come together with the teams we have to provide a three course meal with all the trimmings.

"We also have a DJ called Spaniel who is offering his services for free. The 175 Club has been great too - they have offered the hall and kitchen and barmaid Norma will also be helping out.

"It's our first Christmas working together and our businesses support each other."

Former carer Carla, whose business liaises with agencies such as Inverclyde social work services, and which cleans people's houses before they come home from hospital, says she knows of so many people who fear spending the festive season in isolation.

She said: "There are a lot of lonely people out there. I delivered Christmas meals to some of my clients last year with my mum."

Working with many of the same agencies as Carla, Heather's business sells donated second-hand furniture to help people who are struggling during the cost-of-living crisis.

Heather said: "It's a way of giving back to the community. It is open to adults of any ages, or lone parents.

"We called the event Comfort and Joy."

Guests can enjoy tucking in to lentil soup, steak pie or turkey with all the trimmings, with 'old school' cake and apple crumble with custard or ice cream to follow.

The pair say it will cost them nothing apart from the trays of turkey and steak pies from local butchers.

Carla said: "So many people have been donating to us. Tony Buckley is donating trays of desserts and we have donations of soup and old school cake.

"People are really rallying round."

Heather said: "I see people in need on a daily basis. All the people who come into the shop are struggling. These are everyday people who are working.

Ten years ago I could have I have told you categories of people in need. Not now.

"Christmas can be a difficult time for people living on their own and for people with young families.

"Last year I gave out selection boxes, this year would thought we would have a party instead."

There will also be a raffle with hamper as a prize and the women are also looking for local business to give donations.

The dinner will be held on December 7, between 1pm and 6pm.

To get a free ticket you can pop in to Helping Hands on West Blackhall Street.