A wartime themed event aimed at reconnecting isolated elderly people in Christchurch with their community has been hailed a success by its organiser.

Camilla Marcus-Dew, 29, invited over-75s who have become socially isolated to Portfield Hall for an opportunity to make new friends and be introduced to potentially useful organisations, such as Wayfinder, Age Concern and Help and Care.

More than 70 people attended the occasion, which included tea, cake, music, bingo and a raffle with prizes donated by businesses from the area.

Among the 20 volunteers helping were 15 cadets from the Christchurch Air Training Corps.

Ms Marcus-Dew said nearly £300 was raised for the Christchurch and Highcliffe branches of the Royal British Legion throughout the day.

“We now have around £100 in the bank to support a small event at Christmas to ensure that some of the guests who will be spending Christmas alone have some contact during this period and a nice afternoon out to look forward to,” she added.

“A key part of the afternoon was to give out information about how they could get more involved, either by joining local lunch clubs, knowing who to contact in the local council for help, day coach trip and special events in the local area.

“The event was run due to a growing awareness of the number of older people who have limited contact with society and over time have decided or been forced to socialise less due to changes in circumstances.”