A VILLAGE community has pulled together once again to help make sure older residents are not forgotten over Christmas.

In what has become a tradition in recent years, Pickmere Community Group has teamed up with the Red Lion pub to support Age UK Cheshire during the festive season.

Villagers have been donating gifts throughout December to place around a ‘giving tree’ at the Red Lion.

Age UK Cheshire will be delivering the gifts along with wellbeing hampers to people across the county who have been in touch with the charity for support and befriending during this difficult year.

Alison Bold, from Pickmere Community Group, says Pickmere residents never fail to impress with their generosity – and this year’s collection has been the most successful to date.

She said: “This is a year like no other, and one that has tested all of us.

“We wanted to let older people know that they are not forgotten, and that we are all thinking of them, especially over the festive period.”

Throughout the crisis, Age UK Cheshire has been supporting people with telephone befriending calls, collecting groceries, and making sure that people are safe and well.

While it has seen the demand for help with food reduce, the number of people contacting Age UK in distress at being lonely has continued to increase, and the charity fears more could follow this Christmas.

Gary Byrne, manager of The Red Lion, added: “We are overwhelmed by the support we have received this year.

“We are thrilled to work with Age UK Cheshire, and we know that they will work hard to make sure that the gifts go to those in greatest need.”

Research carried out by Age UK found that following months of staying inside, some older people have lost confidence in doing day-to-day activities they previously took in their stride and are no longer taking pleasure from things they used to enjoy.

With the worst of winter still to come and Covid continuing to pose a threat, Age UK Cheshire is worried that many will find the next few weeks and months particularly tough, especially if they are on their own.

Dale Maskell, chief executive at Age UK Cheshire, hopes the gifts and hampers would help people to feel cared for, and not so isolated.

He said: “Recent research suggests that 138,000 older people in the north west are expecting to feel lonely this Christmas.

“We have stepped up, supported by teams of wonderful volunteers to offer friendship and support to older people throughout this year, and we will continue to do this over the Christmas period.

“We will be delivering the gifts along with our hampers, which will include festive treats, as well as information and advice on how to access services for support.”

Anyone who needs support from Age UK Cheshire can call 01606 881660.