FISH and chip shop owner John Pearce is urging people to donate their loose change to fund a Christmas shopping trip for pensioners.

Mr Pearce, 55, who runs Alf’s Fish and Chips at Fiveways in Weymouth, is organising a free trip to Clarks Village in Somerset which will be followed by a sausage and chips supper.

The chip shop owner is urging people to donate generously and he said that bags of their coppers and silver coins would make a big difference.

Raffle tickets can also be bought from Alf’s Fish and Chips for £1 for a strip of five and all the money raised will go towards the trip.

The first prize is a weekend in a caravan at Littlesea Holiday Park.

Mr Pearce and his wife Karen have also donated £400 towards the trip from their takings from Weymouth Carnival night.

Pensioners from Marshallsay Court, Fairway Court, Dorset Close and the bereavement group in Chickerell have shown interest in attending the trip which will take place on November 3.

Mr Pearce has organised coach trips in the past including a trip in April to Lyme Regis. He said: “These trips are for pensioners who do not get to go out very often.

“It gives them the opportunity to do something out of their usual routine.

“This one will allow them to do their Christmas shopping independently and some of them haven’t done that for years.

“We’re hoping to take three coaches and one will be for those with disabilities.”

He added: “The pensioners have done a lot for us in the past and many of them have served in the war.

“People do not realise how short of money many of them are and if we can treat them to a day out and put a smile on their face, you can’t buy that.

“We would like to thank the support of the locals for helping to fund these trips – we couldn’t do it without you.”

The times and pick-up points for the trip will be confirmed when Mr Pearce knows how much money has been raised and how many pensioners wish to go on the trip.

* If you are a pensioner and you’re interested in the trip contact Mr Pearce on 01305 783342 before the end of October.

Alternatively, if you want to make a donation to support the trip then call into Alf’s Fish and Chips by November.