FREE, gratis, nothing, zero, zilch!

An offer of totally-free holidays for 100 York pensioners seems too good to be true for many, and may have to be cancelled because of a lack of response.

It seems people can't believe the offer is genuine, even though the National Benevolent Fund for the Aged (NBFA) has sent about 40,000 people on quality, free vacations over the last 38 years.

The charitable organisation - with Betty Boothroyd MP as president - offers the trips for people over 65, on low incomes and who have not had a holiday for at least three years.

But, despite widespread coverage in the media, only 25 York pensioners have booked a place on the holiday, based at a three-star hotel in Llandudno, North Wales, in late November.

Bernadette Benati, of the NBFA, said: "This is a free holiday on a plate and we've had very little interest from York and Halifax. Two coaches have been booked for York and we've only filled half of one.

"It's sad that the people in York just don't believe the offer can be true. They feel that there's nothing free in this life. They think there's a catch.

"But the plain fact is that if we don't fill the coaches we will have to cancel them, and we won't be back in York for at least five years."

The NBFA is a national charity which aims to improve the quality of life in old age by removing the isolation and loneliness of the elderly, particularly those who live alone.

The process of going on holiday enables older people to get out and make friends

For those who fit the criteria a six-day holiday based at the three-star Hydro Hotel in Llandudno, complete with meals, entertainment and outings is on offer at no cost whatsoever.

If anyone would like to know more about this holiday, they should telephone the NBFA office on 0208 688 6655.