THEY say not all heroes wear capes, but in this case they do wear aprons, Christmas hats and festive jumpers.

Alyson Clifton, and Stacy Irving, from Ambrosden, have only known each other less than a week but have joined forces to put on a Christmas dinner for the homeless and vulnerable of Bicester.

The pair thought up the idea after the heavy snowfall and a public Facebook debate about homelessness.

In less than a week they have racked up £500 in donations, four turkeys, 50 pigs in blankets, 12 Christmas puddings and all the trimmings.

Now the pair have put a call out for anyone homeless, alone or vulnerable this Christmas to get in touch and join them on Christmas Day for the feast.

Ms Clifton, a local caterer, said: "I read a post about the homeless in Bicester and it really touched a nerve – just imagine being out on the streets this winter, especially now with the snowfall.

"Although we had never met before, Stacy and I ended up messaging each other and decided we should do something for them.

"What better day to do it than on Christmas Day?

"I am not a teary person, but I have been so close to tears with all the stuff coming in over the past week.

"Now we need the guests, anyone who needs to be a little bit spoiled for a few hours on Christmas Day."

Ms Clifton and Miss Irving, a mum-of-one and senior non-commissioned officer in the Army, have been inundated with hundreds of food items, Christmas presents and volunteer offers since conjuring up the idea.

Bicester Round Table has donated £500 to the cause to help make the event extra special.

A Facebook page – 'Bicester’s Christmas Giving A Bit Back' – has been set up to coordinate the donations and people have also offered to provide lifts for guests, such as the elderly, who may otherwise not be able to go along to the meal.

It will be held at The Families Welfare Centre in Ambrosden from 2.30pm on Christmas Day and guests have the option of being dropped back home at about 6pm following the meal.

Mrs Clifton, who is a mum-of-three, added: "The response we have had from the general public has been wonderful and now the Bicester Round Table has agreed to donate £500 it is amazing.

"It has just gone mad with donations, now we just need more guests.

"It is not just for the homeless people of Bicester. I want it to be for local people such as our golden oldies and anyone who might be alone on Christmas Day without family to spend it with."

The pair have asked anyone who would like to come along – or anyone who knows someone who might want to – to call them on either 07891 777219 or 07919 206267 to make arrangements.

Places need to be booked for the team to tot up numbers in preparation.

Unwrapped gifts are also being collected including toiletries, winter clothes such as hats and gloves, biscuits, chocolates and pet supplies, plus wrapping paper separately.

To find the event page online search Bicester’s Christmas Giving A Bit Back on Facebook.