George Hussein (left) of Fish Central lays on a Christmas lunch for OAPs including (left to right) Ken Colley, Florence Belton, Sheila Capon, the Mayor of Islington Jilani Chowdhury and Gordon Warrell. Picture: Tony Gay

Pensioners turned out for a hot meal and a spot of festive cheer at their favourite local fish shop.

George Hussein of Fish Central, in King Square, Finsbury, laid on a free Christmas dinner for Finsbury OAPs – and about 20 pensioners, together with Mayor of Islington Jilani Chowdhury, turned out to enjoy the roast with all the trimmings.

Mr Hussein, who came to the UK from Cyprus at the age of nine, has run Fish Central for 44 years.

And where it was once a humble fish-and-chip shop, it is now a 60-seater restaurant.

Six days week, it runs the EC1 Luncheon Club – in which members get a subsidised two-course meal and a hot drink for just £3.50.

Mr Hussein, who also lays on the free Christmas dinner every year, said: “A lot of these people don’t have a hot meal. They can’t cook for themselves.

“I have known these people all my life. I grew up with these people. So I like to give something back.”