A DELI in East Lancashire is spreading a little festive cheer this year by opening its doors on Christmas Day to those who may be spending the holidays alone.

Deli Carlo in Darwen, which was recently taken over by Steven Wood and his partner Jackie Aspinall, will be offering people who may find Christmas lonely free coffee and panettone for a few hours on Christmas morning.

Ms Aspinall said: “It’s the first time we’ve done something like this and we just thought it would be nice to open the doors on Christmas morning for a few hours.

“Steve always wanted to do something along these lines and now we have the means to do it, it just made sense.

“There are a lot of people out there who don’t like Christmas, for one reason or another, and there are plenty of people who will be spending it alone, so if we can help a little then we will.”

Ms Aspinall said coffee company, Segafredo, is donating some coffee for them and the panettone is almost ready to go.

And when Darwen Market posted the news on social media, it attracted more than 90 comments praising the deli for their kindness, with one user writing: “How very generous and kind.

“I hope people do go who are on their own. It’s not easy on Christmas Day and it may be out of their comfort zone.

“But if they could be brave and go, they could make a friend or two.

“Could make a happy New Year too.”

Ms Aspinall added: “We’ve had a few people come into the shop saying they think it’s a lovely gesture, and we think it will make a great deal of difference to people who are on their own or who are feeling lonely at this time of year.

“For some it may be their first Christmas alone after losing a loved one so they’re more than welcome to come along.”

Deli Carlo, which is located on Croft Street in the new Market Square in Darwen will be open from 9am until 12pm on Christmas Day and all are welcome.

If your business or cafe is also planning to open on Christmas Day to provide those who are alone with a little bit of company, then please get in touch.