A HOME care service is helping to tackle social isolation over the festive holiday.

First City Nursing and Care at Cheney Manor Industrial Estate put on a series of Christmas lunches for seniors who might be alone over the holiday.

The department homecare manager, Sam Roberts, said: "Many of us are lucky enough to spend Christmas time with friends or family, but there are also many who are not so lucky.

"Social isolation can have very negative effects on well-being, yet it’s so easy to share some conversation and a drink or a bite to eat with someone close by."

A guest who went along to one of the lunches enjoyed her time there. Olly Page, 90, of Highworth said: "I’ve enjoyed myself so much. It’s a wonderful thing that they do.

"Each week they take us out to the garden, or to go shopping we do lots of shopping. One of the support workers, Tina, has written all the envelopes for my Christmas cards, because I find it difficult to write now. I’m very grateful to them, and wouldn’t be without them."