Free Christmas lunch helps combat loneliness

More than 40 people attended the free lunch in Bristol

A free festive lunch was held in Bristol on Christmas Day as part of an initiative to help combat loneliness.

Vehicle hire firm Motability Operations said it hosted 42 guests in its office in Stoke Gifford to ensure they were not alone.

Employees and their families volunteered and distributed hampers prepared by loneliness charity Marmalade Trust.

Xanne Cary, from Marmalade Trust, said: "This year's event was a great example of what can happen when people come together to support one another."

Some of the company's employees and their families volunteered for the event

Mark Brown, head of impact and sustainability at Motability Operations, said: "We believe in making a positive impact on people and the communities we operate in.

"By partnering with Marmalade Trust, we are bringing to life the principles of our business and making a difference to people's lives."