Tickets sales have started briskly for the Oxford Mail and Phoenix Cinema's Christmas film festival.

The Golden Years Christmas Film Festival, which starts on Monday, December 17 and runs until the following Friday, is aimed specifically at people over the age of 60.

Suzy Sheriff, manager of the Phoenix Picturehouse, in Walton Street, Oxford: said: "I'm absolutely delighted to report that the Golden Years Film Festival has already caught the attention of our audience.

"No sooner did the article announcing the festival appear in the Oxford Mail, than our phone started ringing with enquiries.

"A surprising number of people have already booked to see their favourite films, so I'm in no doubt that the event will be a great success. We're really looking forward to it."

The festive favourites being screened, all at 11am, are It's A Wonderful Life (Monday, Dec 17), The Apartment (Tuesday, Dec 18), Scrooge (Wednesday, Dec 19), Pride and Prejudice (Thursday, Dec 20) and White Christmas (Friday, Dec 21).

Entry to the festival is free with a copy of that day's Oxford Mail, which must be purchased at the cinema.

But that's not all - in addition there is free tea, coffee and mince pies and a daily draw.

Ms Sheriff added: "We want to offer our senior citizens the chance to come and see some wonderful Christmas favourites while enjoying a hot cuppa and a mince pie."

Lord Mayor of Oxford John Tanner, who launched the event last week, said: "Oldies like me will really love this festival."

Oxford Mail entertainments editor Jeremy Smith added: "I'm delighted that people are already booking their seats.

"We just want the city's senior citizens to enjoy a really lovely Christmas movie in the week before the big day itself.

"And, hopefully, because we're screening each film at 11am, no-one will worry about travelling to or from the cinema in the dark."

For further information, call the Phoenix on 01865 316570.