A THOUGHTFUL young Greenock mum has organised a free festive dinner so that nobody spends Christmas Day alone.

Taylor Barnes says she dreaded the prospect of spending the day alone with her wee one-year-old daughter Harper.

When the 20-year-old overheard a lady talking about how lonely she would be on Christmas Day, she realised that she was not alone and decided to take action.

Taylor has now embarked on a mission to bring lonely people together on Christmas Day.

She has organised a free festive dinner in the 134 Steak House in Cathcart Street for anyone who would be on their own on the day.

Taylor, who lives in Hay Street, said: “I had been thinking about Christmas Day as me and my wee girl were going to be lonely this year as I don’t really have support.

“Then last week when I was on the bus I heard this woman saying that she hates this time of year because she remembers how lonely she is.

“I was quite upset.

“I couldn’t sleep that night so I went online looking for ideas of what I could do.

“The idea for the Christmas dinner just popped into my head.

“I’m only 20 and I have a one-year-old so I didn’t fancy cooking a meal for just me and her.

“I thought it would be great to have a community event to bring other people who will be on their own together.”

Taylor, who is studying to be a nurse at West College Scotland, posted an appeal for help on the internet and was taken aback by the incredible response she received.

She said: “It has been amazing.

“I didn’t know I would get such a good response.

“Thomas Compston from 134 Steak House got in contact with me to offer his premises, which was overwhelming.

“I didn’t think anyone would do that.”

Thomas, who owns 134 Steak House alongside Laura Essler, said he was keen to help such a good cause.

He said: “When I saw Taylor’s post I thought it was a great idea to do something for the community.

“We are supplying the premises, and me and Laura are going to cook for them.”

Taylor says she’s already been offered help from Tesco, local butchers and Cathcart and Co.

She added: “People will get a three course meal and there will be juice and tea and coffee.

“No alcohol will be served.”

Sixty free tickets are available to those who face spending Christmas alone.

Taylor added: “We will also have free transport and disabled access.

“So anyone who faces being on their own this Christmas, or anyone who knows someone who will be on their own, should get in touch with me.

“If anyone can help or provide donations we would love it if they could get in touch.”

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