The Sheriff of Oxford, Councillor Mary Clarkson, says she's delighted to be officially opening the Golden Years Film Festival, which on Monday kicks off a festive season of Christmas movies for the over-60s.

The week-long event of yuletide favourites, organised by the Oxford Mail and the Phoenix Picturehouse in Walton Street, Oxford, gives anyone over the age of 60 the chance to see five feel-good classics - and all for just the cost of your favourite local paper.

What's more, there will be free tea, coffee and mince pies available.

Says Ms Clarkson: "'I'm delighted to see the first pensioners' film festival in Oxford. Many of the older people in Oxford are the backbone of our communities, supporting local charities and local groups.

"It is great that they will be able to see some excellent films and enjoy each others' company in the run-up to Christmas".

The festival opens today with Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed.

Tomorrow, it's Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine in Billy Wilder's The Apartment, while on Wednesday, Christmas movie lovers will be treated to Scrooge with Alastair Sim.

Thursday sees the enchanting 2005 remake of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley, while closing the festival on Friday is perhaps the greatest festive film of all time, White Christmas starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

All the films are being screened at 11am in the morning, ensuring that no-one should have to worry about travelling or from the cinema in the dark.

According to Suzy Sheriff, manager of the Phoenix cinema: "We're really excited to be staging this feel-good festival for Oxford's senior citizens.

"All the films are classics, and together with the free mince pies and the coffee and tea, this should put everyone in the Christmas mood. Do come and enjoy yourselves. After all, you'll be doing us a favour by helping us to remember what Christmas should be about."

eremy Smith, entertainments editor of the Oxford Mail, said: "It promises to be just a lovely, feel-good, get-everyone-in-the-Christmas-spirit event. All you have to do is buy a copy of the Oxford Mail, 35p, as your entry ticket, which will be on sale at the cinema.

"We can't wait to see you there."

For further information, call the Phoenix on 01865 316570.