FESTIVE hampers are being delivered to selected old people this Christmas, in Ledbury and Herefordshire, by the older people's charity, the Royal Voluntary Service.

The charity and the Asda Foundation are working together to spread Christmas cheer to 200 older people, across Herefordshire, "who are particularly vulnerable and isolated around Christmas time."

Ledbury pensioner, Elaine Riddick said: “I was very pleased and surprised to receive my bag of goodies for the Christmas season. Many thanks to all at Royal Voluntary Service and to Asda for supplying.”

Christmas hampers will be packed and delivered, by Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, to older people in the area who are already supported by the charity. Hampers will include mince pies, biscuits and chocolate.

George Driver, Service Manager for Royal Voluntary Service said: "For most of us Christmas is a time for celebration and to spend time with friends and family, but for older people spending Christmas alone this year, it can also be a painfully lonely time.

"Many older people are used to having long periods of time without company but it can be particularly difficult to spend Christmas alone, feeling as though everyone else is enjoying themselves. We are delighted to have the funding from the Asda Foundation to be able to deliver the hampers, and spread a little joy to the vulnerable older people we support in Herefordshire.”

Julie Ward, Senior Manager for the Asda Foundation said: “Christmas is such a special time of year for families to come together however for some older people they may be alone over the festive period, So we at the Asda Foundation are delighted to be supporting a visit and some treats to make this time of year extra special for our elderly residents in our local communities.”