A brightly-decorated symbol of friendship will be rolling through the county tomorrow, as part of a national campaign seeking to highlight the issue of loneliness among the elderly.

Women's magazine The People's Friend, in partnership with the charity Re-engage and transport company Stagecoach, will be bringing a specially-decorated bus through Cumbria tomorrow as part of a national campaign to underline the importance of tackling loneliness among the nation's older residents.

Re-engage is a national charity seeking to address the issue of loneliness and social isolation among those over the age of 75, which has been widely described as a significant and growing problem across the country.

The specially decorated bus being used to draw attention to the issue has been adorned with multicoloured knitting, an eye-catching way of underlining the very serious concern shared by many over the effects loneliness and social isolation is having on older people in the UK - particularly in light of the new restrictions now put in place to combat Covid-19.

Hundreds of hand-made bunting triangles were donated to adorn the bus, which has been delivering magazines and knitting to care homes as part of its tour.

It has also been collecting funds for Re-engage’s new telephone befriending service ‘Call Companions’.

The service was launched in response to Covid-19 to offer free, friendly and regular calls to ensure that those most vulnerable to isolation remain connected to the outside world.

Angela Gilchrist, editorial director of The People’s Friend, said: “Smiles have been in short supply for all of us this year, but especially so for those who live alone or who have been missing close contact with family and loved ones.

"We know that life is better when shared with a friend, so we decided to enlist the help of our hundreds of knitters across the UK to cheer up everyone who may be feeling lonely or downhearted right now.

“Our colourful bus was sure to brighten the day of anyone who saw it. And I believe it sends a message of hope, too, that even when times are tough, we can all share moments of joy.”

Re-engage chief executive, Meryl Davies, added: “The Covid-19 crisis has intensified feelings of loneliness for many older people who have really struggled without regular social contact.

"We hope that older people who see The People’s Friend 'Yarn-Bombed' bus will be reminded that they are not alone, and will get in touch with us to be matched with a volunteer with similar interests for regular, free calls.”

Martin Griffiths, chief executive of Stagecoach, said: “We have been proudly connecting communities up and down the country for 40 years, and our buses have continued to provide a lifeline for people during the pandemic.

“We are all delighted to be working with The People’s Friend and Re-Engage on this special bus tour and we would like to thank all the knitters for their valuable contributions. We hope that the colourful Yarn-Bombed bus will bring a smile to people’s faces as it travels across the UK.”