Millions of elderly people in the UK may not like Christmas because they see it as the loneliest time of year, according to Age UK.

The charity suggested more than three million older people may not be looking forward to the festive season, with around 200,000 spending it alone.

To combat loneliness among the elderly this Christmas, it is launching a campaign called 'no one should have no one to turn to'.

Age UK also offers a befriending service, where volunteers visit an older person in their home.

Colin, 78, from Lancashire, said this service was an "absolute lifeline" for him when he lost his wife in 2017.

Colin, who did not want to reveal his full name, said: "That first Christmas on my own was a particularly difficult time.

"Everyone else seemed to be enjoying the festivities, but it made me feel even more alone."

Colin phoned Age UK initially for financial advice, but when he told the charity about his wife's death, it recommended the befriending service to him.

He said: "It made me feel like there's light at the end of the tunnel, someone to turn to, every day of the year."

To voklunter with Age UK, go to https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/