THE new Asda Barons Quay store in Northwich has teamed up with the Cheshire charity Brightlife to bring some festive cheer to a group of senior citizens through a donation of Christmas gifts from their George clothing range.

Fifty members of the Brightlife-funded Community Compass group were presented with surprise presents at their Christmas party on Monday, December 12 at the Dingle Centre.

The donated presents included gift sets of hats, gloves and scarves.

Katie Coburn, general store manager at Asda Northwich, said: “The team at Brightlife and Community Compass are doing a fantastic job of engaging with local senior citizens and tackling loneliness at what can be a very sad time of year for some.

“We, of course, wanted to get involved and donate some gifts to make their Christmas party extra special.”

Brightlife is a charity actively working to reduce loneliness among the over 50s through supporting people as they enter old age in Cheshire.

Their new social enterprise, Community Compass, was established by Brightlife and allows local elderly people to meet and partake in creative and active social groups which encourage friendship and social interaction.

The co-director of Community Compass, Yvonne Boyle, said: “We run a Compass Club at the Dingle Centre every Monday and it was great to see so many new faces here for the party.

“The generous donation from Asda Barons Quay has really helped make it extra special and memorable for everyone.”

Chris McClelland, the head of Brightlife, said: “It can be difficult to enjoy Christmas if you’re on your own and can seem like everyone’s having fun apart from you, so Brightlife is asking people to keep an eye on older neighbours this holiday season.

“It doesn’t take much – but maybe drop a card round and just say hello.”

For more information regarding Brightlife in Cheshire please visit brightlifecheshire.org.uk/