TOWN organisations and members of the community have until November 13 to apply to a new initiative to help support elderly, homeless and vulnerable people in the community this Christmas.

Waitrose will help provide Christmas lunch events for people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.

The Okehampton store is asking organisers of local Christmas dinner events to get in touch so they can apply for support from the retailer. Other community groups and members who are interested in hosting such an event are also invited to apply for the support.

The campaign will see every Waitrose store supporting community Christmas lunch events, offering food, money and other resources.

Hundreds of Waitrose volunteering hours are being offered for Waitrose staff to help plan events, while being fully paid by the store.

Each of the store's 300 shops has an allocation of money and volunteering time to put towards community Christmas dinner events.

To find out more, call into the Okehampton store and ask to speak to Charlotte Tucker or Theresa Edwards, or call 01837 659008.