A Witney charity that helps socially excluded young people is going out into the community to throw a party for old folk.

Teenagers at Base 33 are organising the Christmas bash for 30 elderly people from the town's community hospital and day centre.

But they are disappointed that local shops and businesses have not given them much support.

They sent out letters to nearly every shop in the town looking for raffle prizes, but only three responded.

Staci Beevor, an 18-year-old volunteer helper at the High Street centre, said: "We were disappointed with the response.

"Getting involved in the community makes young people feel they are part of it, not excluded.

"It's a shame that local companies couldn't be more supportive."

The three businesses that have offered gifts are the Burford Garden Centre, Teddy Bears of Witney and Philip Jones shoe shop in the Witney Woolgate Centre.

The Christmas party is on Wednesday at Ceewood Hall on the Smiths estate and is being organised by pupils of Henry Box and Wood Green schools who receive most or all of their education at Base 33.

One of the charity's staunch supporters is Witney MP and Tory leader David Cameron who has praised Base 33 for helping "get to grips with social and community problems, like truancy, antisocial behaviour and lack of parenting skills."

The youths, some of whom are excluded from mainstream schools, receive teaching up to GCSE level, as well as other training like first aid and the Duke of Edinburgh's award.

To hold the party the teenagers have raised money to buy the food, which they will cook themselves. They also baked cakes for a stall to bring in £65.

They have also organised entertainment, including a choir from a local primary school.

Staci added: "People complain that there is nothing for young people to do in Witney. Well, Base 33 is something they can do. We are open twice a week in the evenings as well as Sunday night."

In October a group from Base 33 spent a week in Ghana to see people hit by HIV/Aids as well as struggling farmers.

Anyone who would like to help with gifts for the party, can call Staci or youth leader Jude Levermore on 01993 200682.