A WESTON-based home care provider has launched a festive scheme to bring cheer to older people in the community.

Home Instead are collecting gift donations to wrap and distribute to lonely, isolated older people in the community who may not be seeing anyone this Christmas, or even receiving any cards or gifts.

Registered manager, Jenny Morton said: “There are so many older people in our area who do not have friends or family to spend their day with and may not even get to speak to another person on Christmas Day.

“We want to spread some Christmas cheer to those in need of it and let them know their community is thinking of them.

“We always feel so emotional and in awe of people's kindness and generosity when we run this scheme and we know the people who receive the gifts really appreciate the gesture.”

Home Instead are going to be working with local charities and event organisers to identify people to give the gifts to.

Last year, through the ‘Be a Santa’ initiative, Home Instead managed to donate gift parcels to over 200 lonely and isolated members of the community.

To donate a gift to this year's scheme, the drop off point is at the Home Instead office on Worle High Street.

Some ideas of gifts they are looking to collect include blankets, books, boxes of biscuits or chocolates, puzzles and toiletries.

Donations must be made before December 6.

Phone Home Instead on 01934 526892 for any further information.

Jenny also said: “Thank you to everyone in the community who has supported this event previously.

“Your donations really do make such a difference to the happiness of others and have always been extremely well received.”