Staff at the St Thomas’ Network were concerned they would have to cancel the event. However, after an appeal in the Express & Star, the charity has been swamped by donations.

The charity has now raised enough money to stage the event, as well as a family pantomime and a disco for the youngsters.

It will also be able to deliver Christmas hampers to the housebound.

The network, based in Beechwood Road, provides educational training and social events for people living in Kate’s Hill and Sledmere.

Office manager Sharon Higgins said: “We were all really worried because it would have been the first time since the charity was set up in 1989 that we wouldn’t be able to put any events on.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with all the calls from people wanting to make donations. People really have been very, very kind.”

Shaukat Ali, ward councillor for St Thomas’, said the network deserved to be supported because it was nice to put something on for the older people to help them celebrate Christmas.

For more details about the events call 01384 818990.