PENSIONERS came from as far afield as Witney and Abingdon for yesterday’s sell-out screening of The Life of Pi, which opened this year’s Merry Christmas Matinees at the Phoenix Picturehouse in Oxford.

Now in its eight year, the annual event invites anyone over the age of 60 to enjoy three classic films while enjoying free teas, coffees and mince pies, and an assortment of festive prizes courtesy of Sainsbury’s Kidlington and the Westgate shopping centre.

Irene Bowman, 74 of Abingdon, and Shirley Sirett, 78 of Cumnor, were first in the queue to get their seats. Mrs Bowman said: “I’ve been coming every year since it started. I always look forward to it.” Today’s film is The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, screened, as all the films are, at 11am.

Closing the festival tomorrow is Les Miserables starring Hugh Jackman.

s Tickets cannot be booked in advance. Entry is free with a copy of that day’s Oxford Mail, price 65p, and copies are on sale in the foyer.