There's nothing quite as magical as a trip to the cinema as the festive season approaches.

And this Christmas, the Oxford Mail and the Phoenix Picturehouse, in Walton Street, Oxford, are proud to present the Golden Years Film Festival.

Together, we're giving anyone over the age of 60 the chance to see five festive favourites - and all for just the cost of your favourite local paper.

What's more, there will be free tea, coffee and mince pies available and even a daily fun draw with Christmas goodies to be won.

The festival kicks off on Monday, December 17, with Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart.

Surely the ultimate Christmas movie, Capra's timeless tribute to the contribution of even the seemingly most insignificant life has lost none of its power.

On the Tuesday, we'll be showing Billy Wilder's The Apartment.

It stars Jack Lemmon as CC Baxter, an executive who tries to climb the corporate ladder by lending out his apartment to his superiors for secret 'trysts'. Complications arise when he falls for a girl at work, played by Shirley Maclaine.

Wednesday brings a chance to see Scrooge, surely the best version of A Christmas Carol.

As well as Alastair Simm's stellar performance as Scrooge, there are great turns from a young George Cole and Sir Michael Hordern, making this the Christmas movie classic of all time.

On Thursday, you can see the enchanting 2005 remake of Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

While many people have fond memories of the Laurence Olivier/Greer Garson 1940 version, this recent update has much to recommend it.

And finally, on the Friday, you can see White Christmas - one of those movies that pretty much epitomise Christmas.

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play a successful song-and-dance partnership who try to save an old friend's inn from financial disaster, while simultaneously getting embroiled in all kinds of romantic misunderstandings.

Phoenix manager Suzy Sheriff said: "We want to offer our senior citizens the chance to come and see some wonderful classic films, enjoy a cup of coffee and a mince pie, and just take a little time out to enjoy themselves.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, John Tanner, said: I think this is another great idea from the Oxford Mail and the Phoenix.

"Oldies like me will really love this festival."

And Jeremy Smith, entertainment editor of the Oxford Mail, said: "What could be more Christmassy? Five great festive films, all screened the week before Christmas, and all being shown at 11am, so no-one need worry about getting home in the dark.

"And all you need to do is buy a copy of the Oxford Mail, for 35p, at the cinema, as your entry ticket.

"With a free cup of tea or coffee, and a free mince pie to boot, plus a free prize draw every day, hopefully it'll put our senior citizens in a truly Christmas mood."

Entry to the festival is free with a copy of that day's Oxford Mail, which must be purchased at the cinema. Call the Phoenix on 01865 316570 for information and to book tickets.