DOZENS of elderly people in Baildon enjoyed a festive lunch yesterday in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation at Christmas.

The special Christmas meal was held at the Halfway House in Baildon and more than 30 people attended.

Former cafe owner Lucy Stock held a similar lunch on Christmas Day last year. This year she arranged a second charity meal to reach out to even more local people.

Miss Stock said: “Christmas can be a very lonely time for the elderly. Whilst many of us are out celebrating the festive season with friends and family, there are many out there who have nobody and sit alone, watching time tick by.

No dinner. No presents. No-one to even wish them happy Christmas. We want to help to stop this.”

Local care homes and charities helped identify those in need.

As well as the three-course Christmas dinner, there were drinks and gifts and a pick-up and drop-off service.

Local businesses donated money and raffle prizes, and the meal itself was being funded by Shipley MP Philip Davies.