ABOUT 25 older guests, volunteer drivers, and helpers with national charity Re-Engage met in Timberscombe Village Hall for a Christmas party.

As well as a spread of sandwiches, cheese and biscuits, cake, and tea, guests enjoyed pass-the-parcel and bingo before heading home with Christmas gifts and ‘a big dose of festive cheer’.

West Somerset co-ordinator Renata Urkay organises monthly tea parties throughout the year with a team of volunteer hosts and drivers.

Ms Urkay said: “Re-engage is a national charity that gives older people the opportunity to make new friends and break the cycle of isolation.

“After Covid we decided to host a Christmas party to enable everybody to get together, and it has now become an annual tradition.”

This year’s party was more important than expected for several guests who attended because they were still suffering power outages in the aftermath of Storm Darragh.

Re-Engage works with people aged 75 years and older who live in social isolation to make their lives less lonely.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Older people tell us that our volunteer-led activities make them happier and more able to trust others.

“Our vision is a world where nobody is ever too old to make friends and enjoy social interaction.”

Anybody who wants to find out more about Re-Engage, either to volunteer with it, or find out how a business can help, or to become a guest, should call Ms Urkay on 07759 794063 or visit the charity’s website for more information.