Christmas is a time for cheer and offering goodwill to all.

And while many will be sitting around the dinner table with their loved ones on Christmas Day, for some it can be the loneliest time of the year.

The Salvation Army in Beccles will be hosting a free lunch on Christmas Day for couples or individuals who would otherwise be alone or unable to prepare their own festive dinner.

The lunch, which is now in its fourth year, will be held at the Salvation Army Hall in Blyburgate, Beccles, and usually attracts around 30 people.

Organiser Major Alan Hill said: “We have coffee and mince pies at 10am and then we have a carol service at about 10.30am.

“While that’s going on my volunteers are busy preparing the Christmas lunch for 12.30pm.

“Everyone is welcome to come along for any part of the day.

“It’s open to anyone and we welcome couples too.”

A team of ten volunteers will be helping on the day and the lunch is free.

Anyone who would like to attend can call Tanya Hill on 07510150143 or turn up on the day. Help with transport is also available.

And Highfield Bupa Care Home in Halesworth will also be opening its doors to older people, who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day, to join them for festive food and fun.

The home in London Road has partnered with Community Christmas, a charity that believes no elderly person in the UK should be alone on Christmas Day unless they want to be.

Deirdre Coby, home manager at Highfield, said: “We know loneliness is a growing issue for elderly people - at Christmas and all year round. It’s great that we are in a position to support Community Christmas by opening our doors on Christmas Day to offer our elderly community somewhere they can enjoy some festive food and fun in the company of others.

“I know our residents are looking forward to welcoming some new faces to the table on Christmas Day.”

For further information or to book your place, call free on 0808 256 4562.