While so many people spend their Christmas Days opening presents and enjoying food surrounded family and loved ones, some Oldhamers will be working their jobs in and around the borough.

For some people, December 25 does not mean they will have a day off and they will be working hard in service of others.

Amongst those clocking in today are Georgia Norton and Trudy McGowan, who are both health car assistants at Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

Despite not getting to spend the whole day with their own families, Georgia and Trudy said it is "a joy and a privilege to bring happiness" to the patients at the hospice and their loved ones.

The Oldham Times: Georgia Norton and Trudy McGowan will help ensure patients at the hospice enjoy their ChristmasesGeorgia Norton and Trudy McGowan will help ensure patients at the hospice enjoy their Christmases (Image: Dr Kershaw's Hospice)

The pair said: "Working on Christmas Day at the Hospice is a lovely atmosphere for staff, patients and patients families.

"It is a privilege to support patients and their families on Christmas Day at such a difficult time."

Both Georgia, who has worked at Dr Kershaw's for three-and-a-half years, and Trudy, who as been at the hospice for 18 months, have previously worked Christmas Day.

Discussing what their days will look like, the pair said: "Patients will be receiving presents and [will] get the chance to have a Christmas dinner with their families.

"We are both working the late shift, so we will both get the chance to spend the morning with our own families and then come into work."

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

For some who work on Christmas Day, it is one of their busiest days of the year.

Father Tom Davis of St Margaret's and St Chad's Church in Hollinwood will be one of many busy priests and vicars on December 25 as they hold services in the morning for church-goers.

He said the members of St Margaret's and St Chad's have been busy getting the church ready and are excited for all the people who will attend the masses.

The Oldham Times: Father Tom said he really enjoys leading services on Christmas DayFather Tom said he really enjoys leading services on Christmas Day (Image: Oldham Foodbank)

Father Tom said: "I really enjoy it because a lot of people come who may not come any other time of the year, that makes it special."

He explained that he will be leading three services today: one at 8.30am, one at 9.45am and one at 10.30am.

This follows the night mass on Christmas Eve, plus the fact that Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday this year meant it has already been an extremely busy period for Father Tom.

He said that he is "usually quite exhausted" after the Christmas Day masses, adding: "My mum used to complain I was really boring on Christmas Day because I would sleep after the services."

Despite the tough schedule, Father Tom relishes this time of the year, saying: "I wouldn't change my life for the world."

For those in the borough who face a busy day of work on one of the country's biggest holidays, it is still an enjoyable experience which they embrace.