IT'S a case of pack up your troubles and enjoy Christmas.

Sheltered housing wardens are donning 1940s clothing to regale hundreds of Hartlepool pensioners with songs from the war years.

It is part of a Christmas extravaganza for 500 pensioners, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council, at the town's Mayfair Centre entertainment complex today.

A three-course Christmas lunch, entertainment from a professional singer, bingo and a raffle are all included in the programme.

Jan Hutchinson, team manager of the area wardens for sheltered housing, said: "The wardens decided to organise an event for sheltered housing residents last year, and it was a big success.

"This year, even more people have snapped up tickets, and it looks set to be a memorable afternoon. It's a great opportunity for people to get together.''