CHRISTMAS is one of the loneliest times of the year for people who live on their own.

One group that is well aware of the problem is the Sunday Lunch Club in Chandler's Ford, which meets once a month for a three-course meal and plenty of good company.

About 30 members got together for a special festive gathering that was partly funded by the Daily Echo and British Gas Cracker of a Christmas campaign.

Volunteers cooked up a treat in the kitchen at the Age Concern Hall in Brownhill Road to provide a roast turkey meal with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding for dessert.

Entertainers led a singalong and Father Christmas even made a special early appearance to give everyone a present.

The group was the brainchild of Iris Thomas and Dorothy Hills, who rely heavily on grants to run the club aimed at people who are lonely, live alone or are aged over 60.

"The Christmas lunch went very well and we are very grateful to the volunteers who came to help. It shows that there is a need in Chandler's Ford for this sort of thing," said Iris, the club president.

The Daily Echo joined forces with British Gas to offer community groups the chance to bid for part of a Christmas party fund.

The Sunday Lunch Club was awarded £50, which it used in conjunction with another grant to pay for the gathering.