NEARLY 400,000 people aged 65 and over are worried about being lonely this Christmas, according to a national charity.

Age UK has warned that 51% of all people over the age of 75 live alone in England, and five million older people say that the television is their main companion.

The study suggested that the impact of loneliness increases during the winter months, as older people worry about not being able to go outdoors as much because of shorter, darker days and poorer weather.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said: “People’s social networks often shrink due to life-changing events such as retirement and bereavement which can increase the risk of feeling lonely.”

In Dorset, churches and other organisations are hoping to bring together elderly people who are lonely on Christmas Day by organising lunches.

One such effort is from the Salvation Army in Poole, who are putting on a Christmas Day lunch for the lonely and elderly. Fifty people will be picked up and taken to the charity’s church in New Orchard for lunch.

St. John’s Church in Wimborne will also be hosting a Christmas Day lunch at 1.30pm. Attendees are asked to bring a bottle or a dessert and join in the food and festivities.

Emma Harrison, one of the organisers, said: “There will be around 40 people sitting for a full roast, followed by tea and coffee. We’re also putting on two quizzes during the day, as well as the Queen’s Speech, as we know people will like to watch that.”