A care home is opening its doors to help combat loneliness in the community in the run-up to Christmas.

Elizabeth Lodge Care Home wants older people to meet its residents for 'knit and natter' Friday afternoon sessions from December 8, from 2.30pm.

They can chat with residents and staff about their memories while they knit a Christmas-themed jumper.

“We’re opening our doors because December can be a difficult month for many people,” Elizabeth Lodge manager Michelle Sampang said. “This is a chance to bring them together to get into the Christmas spirit and make new friends.”

The home in Pennington Drive has joined a 'Care to Share' programme for the festive season, among 100 Care UK homes taking part up and down the country, which also includes Christmas carols and watching a Christmas movie with mince pies.

Anyone interested can call Jaime Stubberfield on 0333-4343 024, or email Jamie.Stubberfield@careuk.com