CHRISTMAS comes but once a year - but for one lucky social group it has come twice!

The Evergreen Darby & Joan Club enjoyed a slap-up Christmas lunch this week with the help of a cash boost from the Making a Difference campaign.

The club, which meets every Monday in the Magdalene Room, St George's Square, Worcester, was given £200 from the campaign - run by the Evening News and Worcester Round Table - towards its annual Christmas party.

The group of 56 members - who are in their 70s, 80s and 90s - caught a coach to Holt Fleet Hotel, Holt Fleet, near Worcester, where they enjoyed a festive feed of turkey or beef, followed by Christmas pudding or a dessert from the trolley. Soup or melon whetted the appetite to start with.

"It was absolutely wonderful," said Joan Carless, aged 74, leader of the club.

Mrs Carless, of Park Avenue, Barbourne, has been working at the club for 35 years, having started as a kitchen helper.

"We had a wonderful afternoon and all the members really enjoyed themselves," she continued.

"I'd like to say a really big thank you to the Evening News and Round Table for giving us the £200 as it made such a difference - the whole outing costs about £700 so it was really appreciated and meant the members could pay less for their meal.

"We have good members and three good people who help out all the time."

The members pay an annual subscription but most of the money comes from fund-raising events, such as 'bring-and-buy' sales in the Magdalene Room, when members donate bric-a-brac and other items.

The main past-time at the weekly get-togethers is bingo.

"That's what they like," said Mrs Carless.

"We used to have speakers and such but the members either chatted among themselves or fell asleep! The bingo keeps them going!"

For more information about the club phone Mrs Carless on 01905 27335.