A LAST minute appeal has been issued for older people fearing loneliness at Christmas to come forward.

Housing charity Abbeyfield runs 517 houses in the UK in which more than 8000 older people live.

It wants people over the age of 55 who live independently to get in touch if they would like to spend Christmas with them.

It hopes to match people up to the nearest Abbeyfield near their homes.

It is part of a campaign called 'Coping at Christmas' because elderly people without family or friends can feel isolated and alone over the festive period, says the charity.

To help, it is offering lonely older people over the age of 55 the chance to enjoy festive fun, Christmas meals and overnight stays where possible.

Abbeyfield House in Ulverston is already taking part by offering week long stays to two local older people.

Councillor Helen Irving, who represents Ulverston North on SLDC for the Conservatives, will be joining in the festivities with a Christmas eve visit and to raise awareness of the campaign.

Already, Abbeyfield says it has received a flood of calls from troubled older people who dread the prospect of spending Christmas alone.

Abbeyfield chief executive Natasha Singarayer said: “It is incredibly sad that older people are already becoming distressed and worried about Christmas – a time that’s supposed to be about joy and happiness.

“If you or a family member or friend are worried about being alone at Christmas please call our Coping at Christmas number on 01727 734 066 or email coping@abbeyfield.com and we can register you with your local Abbeyfield house."