It won't be lonely this Christmas in Halstead, thanks to a group of friends who met at St Andrew's Church.

On Christmas Day volunteers at the St Andrews Church Hall are encouraging anyone who is on their own to come down for "the full turkey and tinsel works".

A Christmas lunch will be served at midday for all guests and volunteers.

Loneliness is a growing epidemic in the UK, and it does not just effect older people.

Earlier this year the Prime Minister launched the Governments first loneliness strategy.

The report stated: "Three quarters of general practitioners surveyed have said they are seeing between one and five people a day suffering with loneliness, which is linked to a range of damaging health impacts, like heart disease, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease.

"Up to a fifth of all UK adults feel lonely most or all of the time and with evidence showing loneliness can be as bad for health as obesity or smoking."

Vera Mitchell, who has organised the Christmas lunch for the past four years, said: "It all started when I saw somebody asking for volunteers.

"The following year she was unable to do it so I asked some friends if they were interested and they jumped at it.

"The event has grown each year, people phone up and want to help.

"We invite people from past years and we have lots of new people.

"It's not only for old people its for anyone who will be on their own at Christmas, like students and other different people."

Guests are greeted into the church hall at 12pm and offered a non-alcoholic welcome drink.

Nuts and other nibbles are laid out while people can meet and greet with other members of their community.

Vera added: "We also pick people up if they are unable to make their own way."

Anyone who is too unwell to attend, but will be on their own, can have a Christmas dinner delivered to their door.

To book your place call Vera on 01787 472735.