SANTA hats and tinsel were donned by St Richard's Hospice fundraisers as they launched their first crowdfunding project to give festive lunches to patients.

Staff and volunteers explained why the festive meals are so important to the people who use their services in a three minute short film uploaded to the Crowdfunder website.

Turkey with all the trimmings are enjoyed by people who use the hospice throughout December along with the obligatory crackers, tinsel and party hats.

People can help fund a patient's meal by donating £5 or more on the crowdfunding website.

In return, they will receive anything from a certificate or wristband to two complimentary tickets to the Snowdrop Ball 2015 depending on how much they donate.

They will only receive the donations if they managed to reach their target of £5,000.

Rachel Jones, St Richard’s Hospice fundraising manager, said: “This year we are asking supporters to help fund delicious, nourishing, festive lunches for our patients in Day Hospice and for patients and their loved ones who are staying in our In-patient Unit over Christmas.

"We always make a huge effort to make our festive lunches a positive and happy experience for everyone.

"There is lots of love and laughter, great food, festive decorations, carols and a tipple.

"We would love it if people could make a donation and help us make Christmas special.”

To donate, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/srhchristmaslunches.