Pub gives homeless festive cheer

A pub in Lewisham is to open its doors to the homeless tomorrow.

For the second year running, the Honor Oak will provide a Christmas dinner followed by gifts, singing and board games for more than 120 guests.

Local charities, the Simon Community and the 999 Club in Deptford, will provide coaches for the homeless.

More than 30 local people will help pub owners Jamie Hicks and Rupert Braun with the event, called "Chrunch". The pub's suppliers and residents have donated gifts from clothes to toothpaste and chocolate.

Mr Hicks, 41, said: "It's a great way to help the people around us."