A LUNCH aimed at tackling loneliness at Christmas is taking place for elderly residents in Baildon for the third year.

The event, organised by volunteers, takes place on Wednesday, December 18, at Baildon Rugby Club and is completely free to elderly Baildon residents who might be experiencing loneliness at this time of year.

The day will include a three-course dinner with all the trimmings, transport for those who are not able to get to and from the lunch, raffle prizes donated by the community and games and entertainment at the end.

Phoebe Varley and Katy Frankland have organised the event, taking over from Lucy Stock who has organised the successful lunch for the last couple of years.

Ms Varley said: “Many people are lonely over the Christmas period and hosting a Christmas lunch gathers elderly people together. This event means a lot to people in Baildon and I am happy to take over the running of it.”

The then Shipley MP Philip Davies, who donated £500 to help fund the dinner, said: “In the Shipley constituency over 25% of residents are over 60, which is why events like this are so important in local communities. Christmas can be an especially lonely time for many elderly people and I am delighted that Baildon is coming together for a third year to address the issue of loneliness, and I am proud to support it.”

All places have been taken but contact Ms Varley on 07928 114326 if you can help out.