CHARITY partners Friends of the Elderly and Community Christmas are connecting people within communities on Christmas Day.

“If family, neighbours and friends aren’t around on Christmas Day it can be difficult to find something to do,” a member of the group told The Herald this week.

“Many of the usual places you would go to see a friendly face are closed, and the buses and trains won’t be running.”

There are two places in Haslemere where elderly people who are on their own this Christmas can go for a free festive lunch this year.

Redcote care home in Three Gates Lane has four places left for a tradition lunch on Christmas Day.

Any older person who would like to attend is asked to contact the manager Janice Knight on 01428 644637 or email [email protected]

Haslewey Community Centre, near Lion Green, has been providing a free lunch for the past 16 years. Around 40 volunteers give up their time on Christmas day cooking and serving the lunch and ferrying guests to the venue.

Anyone who would like to attend, of any age, should book by calling Jo Long on (01428) 658190 or email hclor [email protected]. Got to the events page at www.community christmas.org.uk to find activities on Christmas Day in your area, or call the charity on 0844 443 0662.