A BIG-hearted butcher has proved he is a cut above – by donating steak pies to help people who will be on their own on Christmas Day.

Duncan MacKenzie says the Tele’s recent story about a young mum arranging a festive feast, so that nobody spends December 25 alone, pulled on his heart strings.

He decided to contact organiser Taylor Barnes and offer her enough steak pies to feed everyone.

Duncan, who owns MacKenzie Butchers in Inverkip Street, said: “When I read the story it just tugged on my heart strings - I think it’s a really nice thing she’s doing.

“I thought ‘I’m in a position to help her so I’m going to donate enough steak pies to feed 60’.”

Taylor, who is mum to one-year-old Harper, is organising a free Christmas dinner at 134 Steak House in Cathcart Street for people who will be on their own this year.

Duncan added: “I have never been alone at Christmas and I don’t think it would be very nice.

“I think what Taylor is doing is wonderful.”

Taylor, 20, says she has been blown away by the support she has received.

She said: “It’s absolutely amazing. I want to thank Duncan so much.”

Taylor has been overwhelmed by the response from the local community and is now encouraging local people, businesses or publicans who may know someone who will be on their own at Christmas to get in touch.

Taylor said: “The Inverclyde Homeless Centre have taken 10 tickets and a single mum is also going to come along as she and her child were going to be on their own.

“An old man also phoned up and told me that this will be the first Christmas he will not be alone in a very long time.

“I’ve also been speaking to the nurses at the hospital about it.

“I would like to hear from more people who knows anyone who will be on their own this year.”

Tickets for the dinner, which is 1.30pm for a 2pm start, are available by contacting Taylor on 07899 308293.