A Kings Langley retirement home opened its doors to members of the community who live alone and offered them a meal over the Christmas period.

The tenants of Abbeyfield’s Garrad House, Kings Langley, offered a home-cooked three course meal to locals who didn’t have anyone to share their Christmas with.

Irene Lowe, who was invited to the meal, said: "It was a lovely lunch and a chance to meet other people and they really made us feel welcome."

Pam Scott, a resident at Garrad House, added: "I would like to thank the volunteers Jackie, Julia, Bobbie, Lucy and Pam for arranging it. Everyone wanted to give a big thank you to the cooks Lorraine and Susan for providing such a good lunch."

The idea of opening their doors to the community is part of Abbeyfield’s Garrad House initiative to try to counteract loneliness amongst older people.