JUST because you're in hospital on Christmas Day doesn't mean you have to miss out on a traditional Christmas lunch.

Catering staff at Princess Margaret Hospital made up more than 1,000 Christmas Day meals last year, and expect to do the same this time round.

During December 25, 362 patients were served with a Christmas breakfast, 346 had Christmas lunch and 344 enjoyed a Christmas supper.

This year, Christmas lunch will include traditional Christmas turkey, chipolatas and bacon rolls with home made plum pudding.

Catering assistant Heather Hedges was today getting into the spirit of things in the hospital canteen and was one of many assistants wearing a silver tinsel wig.

She will be among those working hard for Christmas, the last at PMH before the move to the new Great Western Hospital next year.

She said: "We do get very busy at this time of year but it's a great atmosphere.

"It is nice to know that we are helping to brighten up Christmas Day for patients by serving a traditional meal.

"Apart from preparing meals for patients on Christmas Day, we do a Christmas lunch for staff and visitors as well.

"Then we always enjoy a Christmas lunch served to us by the catering management which is very nice and makes a welcome change!"

The canteen served Christmas lunch to staff and visitors yesterday and was continuing today.

Hilda Cooper, clinical audit analyst, has been enjoying Christmas lunch at the hospital for the last 12 years.

She said: "This year the food is as good as ever.

"The meal is very tasty and extremely good value at £3.20.

"The puddings are also always amazing and the catering staff do an excellent job.

"Generally, it is always a nice atmosphere at the hospital at Christmas, especially when it comes round to sitting down for the Christmas lunch."

Patients will be served lunch on Christmas Day from midday.