SOME of Oxford’s most vulnerable people will enjoy a slap-up Christmas meal today courtesy of a Cowley grandmother.

Icolyn ‘Ma’ Smith’, a grandmother of nine, has been cooking up Christmas dinner for the city’s homeless people for 21 years.

Mrs Smith, from Kelburne Road, runs a soup kitchen every Wednesday out of the Asian Cultural Centre in Manzil Way and a roast dinner with all the trimmings is served the Wednesday before Christmas. Mrs Smith, who will begin cooking roast beef, Yorkshire puddings, sausages wrapped in bacon, stuffing, apple pie and custard at 7.30am this morning, hopes to spread festive cheer to dozens of people.

She said: “They are such lovely people and the atmosphere is beautiful. I want them to feel loved.”

Help is needed year-round. Willing volunteers should call her on 01865 772479.