A CARE home is inviting elderly residents to join in their Christmas Day celebrations as part of a campaign to reduce loneliness.

Staff and residents at Blackbrook House in Gun Hill, near Dedham, have organised a fun day of Christmas cheer for older people living alone.

The home is also working with older people’s charity Re-engage whose volunteers will be bringing over 75s to the Christmas Day celebration.

The guests will join everyone at Blackbrook House for Christmas Day lunch and take part in the festive activities, including games and sing-alongs, all free of charge.

Kylie Greatorex, manager of Blackbrook House, said: “Christmas Day is traditionally a time when families and friends get together for a laugh and a chat over a delicious meal.

“Christmas can be an incredibly lonely time if you live on your own so we wanted to extend the warmth and companionship of our lovely home to anyone facing the day alone.

“We go all out at Christmas for our residents so we’re happy to invite some people in to join us for Christmas Day.”

Anyone who would like to join Blackbrook House residents on Christmas Day can call Kylie Greatorex on 0800 028 6223.