People in Fenland are being asked to give Christmas gifts to older people in the area.

Collection points have been set up for donations, which will be given out at the council's Christmas Golden Age event.

This event is a day where visitors can learn about services for over 60s and enjoy free refreshments.

Councillor Sam Clark, Golden Age team leader, said: “Last year, one visitor at our Golden Age event told us the small gift we gave her would likely be her only present on Christmas Day.

“We know there’ll be others in a similar situation and want to ensure our older people are not forgotten this Christmas.

“We’ve worked with partners to establish drop-off points for anyone who would like to donate a small gift to an older person this Christmas.”

The event, which is free to attend, will be held on Friday, December 6 at Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech from 10am to 1pm.

It is open to anyone over 60 or those interested in services for the over 60s.

Around 25 to 30 organisations are expected to have a stand at the event, providing information about the services they offer, including those related to finances, legal issues, carers, independent living, housing, volunteering, social activities, transport, and wellbeing.

Cllr Clark added: “We’ve worked with partners to establish drop-off points for anyone who would like to donate a small gift to an older person this Christmas.”

The council is accepting donations of new and unwrapped items such as chocolates, sweets, biscuits, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, small gifts like diaries and mugs, and toiletries.

These can be dropped off at Wisbech, March, Chatteris and Whittlesey libraries, Tesco Extra in Cromwell Road, Wisbech and the Tesco Superstore in Hostmoor Avenue, March.

Donations will be accepted until Tuesday, November 19.

Any leftover gifts will be given to healthcare professionals in Fenland for distribution to vulnerable older people.

For more information on Golden Age events, visit fenland.gov.uk/goldenage.