TWO coach loads of pensioners will be leaving Swindon today for a Christmas party with a difference.

The 98 elderly people will be departing from the Thistle Hotel for a trek to Northam-pton to the Turners entertainment centre.

The trip has been organised by John Holmes Music with donations from Swindon businesses.

After a traditional turkey dinner, the pensioners will enjoy dancing, an old fashioned cabaret, sing-along, and bingo.

John Holmes said: "It will be a very special day out. It's something I've been organising for years and the old folk thoroughly enjoy themselves."

n Tickets are still available for Mr Holmes' Christmas charity show, which aims to boost the Swindon Cancer Appeal for more Macmillan nurses.

The event, featuring cabaret artist Stuart Burnley, will be at the Blunsdon House Hotel on December 7 at 7pm. Tickets are £8 and available by calling 01793 526393.