For the past month the Malton Town councillor has spent hours baking more than 70 Christmas cakes which will soon be handed out to elderly and housebound people in the area.

She first offered her support to the Malton, Norton and District Lions Club initiative around 10 years ago and has continued to throw herself into the challenge ever since.

“It’s hard work and every year I think I won’t do it again,” said Joan, of Langton Road, Norton, who uses a recipe handed down from her grandmother. “But every year I do it again because so many people say how much they loved them. And a homemade cake is a lot more personal than giving a box of chocolates.”

The cakes are part of the Lions winter delivery service. From mid October until the end of April members deliver fish and chips to elderly people, many housebound.

Anyone who thinks an elderly person may be missing out on the fish and chips service, or anyone interested in joining the club or helping with its Santa’s Sleigh Appeal can call Adrian Wilford on (01653) 696781.