A “LOVE of the homeless” has driven an Oxford pensioner to get on her bike and deliver free cups of hot chocolate to the city’s homeless three times a week for more than two years.

Lulu Wong-Taylor, of Great Clarendon Street, Jericho, said a moment of inspiration led her to start deliveries at her own expense.

The 72-year-old, from Borneo, brews up the drink using Fairtrade chocolate, milk, cinnamon and nutmeg, and transports three flasks around the city centre in the wicker baskets of her bicycle.

She said: “I do it because I love the homeless. I wanted to do food but somehow that didn’t work, but hot chocolate seems to be the thing they like.

“I see about nine or 10 people each time, but they are always changing.

“One thing about the homeless – only give the best to them because they don’t have any luxuries like we do.

“If you cannot give them the best, what can you give them?

“I used to be so frightened of them with their dogs before I got this calling, but now I’m equipped to do it.”

Mrs Wong-Taylor, an artist who has staged a number of exhibitions in the city, said Oxford’s homeless population was better cared for now than in recent years, but she said she feared for their safety in the colder months.

She said: “It’s well controlled in Oxford. It used to be very bad a few years ago, but the Big Issue is a very good thing because it makes them work.

“But some of them are just asking people for a bit of money and there is not much money around.

“I want to be able to give them a little tent to live in because they have nothing and I fear this winter will be a killer.

“I wish I was rich so I could help them more. Why don’t people like me ever get rich?”

She added: “I know that what I’m doing is just a drop in the ocean and I’m not trying to say I’m clever, but I really enjoy doing this.

“It’s hard work but I love it and I want to keep doing it as long as I can. I wanted to stop this summer, but I couldn’t. The homeless people kiss me on the cheek and tell me they love me.”

Lesley Dewhurst, chief executive of Oxford Night Shelter, paid tribute to Mrs Wong-Taylor’s efforts.

She said: “I think it’s wonderful members of the public take a keen interest in homeless people, putting the personal touch to their support on the streets.”