A FESTIVE initiative to bring Christmas cheer to those experiencing loneliness has been launched.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has officially kicked off his Christmas appeal by asking residents to demonstrate the season of goodwill by donating a gift to someone who may be lonely.

Justin said: “Far too many elderly people experience loneliness, and Christmas is an especially difficult time for them.

“Last year up to 70 gifts were donated by residents to local social services through the Salvation Army, and I am hoping that this year we can match that brilliant kindness to show someone who is at risk of loneliness this Christmas that somebody is thinking about them.”

Items suitable for gifts include: fleece blankets, 2018 calendars and diaries, biscuits and chocolates (not homemade), covered hot water bottles, mugs, handkerchiefs, hand cream and soap sets.

If you would like to donate a gift, simply wrap it and bring it along to Justin’s office on the Orbital Shopping Park – the first floor of the Customer Service Hub, located by the rear car park.

People are asked to write what the gift is and attach it so it can go to an appropriate person. For example, if it’s for a man or woman, or if it is biscuits or chocolate that might not be suitable for people with certain dietary requirements.