A SPECIAL Christmas party for elderly people in Christchurch will take place tomorrow.

Around 120 people, ranging in age from their sixties to their nineties, will join Age Concern Christchurch for a festive party at Cranleigh Community Church in Southbourne.

Town mayor, Councillor John Lofts, will attend the celebrations.

Vivian Reid, Age Concern’s general manager, said: “Loneliness and isolation are very real issues for many elderly people this year.

“We are determined to provide help and support to older people, offering information and advice, friendship and a sense of community. This event is a very real example of the benefits of bringing people together and of creating a sense of inclusion and participation.”

The event has been made possible by the mayor's charity fund, and is supported by former mayor Cllr Peter Hall and his wife, Sally. Volunteers from the church will staff the kitchen and wait on tables, and Christchurch Radio Cabs are on-hand to help with transport. Guests will enjoy a full Christmas lunch, entertainment by Darren Mullen and the Diamond Singers, and the party will finish with a visit from Father Christmas and a small gift to take home.