PEOPLE facing spending Christmas alone have been invited to come along for lunch at a care home.

Iffley Residential and Nursing Home in Anne Greenwood Close is throwing open its doors throughout December.

Guests will meet the team, residents and their families for a free two-course meal.

Home manager Sue Stubberfield said: "We love Christmas here, it’s a time to be happy and share and this is why we wanted to extend our welcome to those who may want a bit of extra company.

"It will be a great way to celebrate Christmas, with delicious food, wonderful company and great atmosphere so we hope to see as many people join us as possible."

Age UK estimates that there are 10,400 people in Oxfordshire aged 65 or above who say they are 'often or always lonely'.

Ms Stubberfield added: "The statistics of those who are lonely are quite staggering and heart-breaking to read as many are lonely because loved ones or friends have passed away and feel they have no one left, and it’s those people we want to reach out to. "My team and residents love to see new faces and meet new people and we have a very talented catering team who prepare delicious food."

To visit the home for lunch call Ms Stubberfield on 01865 718402 or email sue.stubberfield@sanctuary-housing.co.uk 24 hours before you would like to attend.