ISOLATED Islanders who are worried they may have to eat alone this Christmas will now have several options, thanks to five Isle of Wight events.

Age UK Isle of Wight and Rouse financial planners will host a ‘jingle and mingle' meal for elderly people on December 18 at Barton Manor, East Cowes.

Proper Vintage, Independent Arts and their SingAbout group, Grace's Bakery and Orchard House Care Centre are just some of the organisations that have donated time and resources to the festive event.

Alex Pugh, of Rouse, said: "We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity with donations of time, resource and money and we have only got this far with their help.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has come forward."

Community project Donate it, Don’t Dump it — DIDDI for short — is part of the Free Food for Sandown initiative.

They have arranged a free three-course Christmas lunch for 30 people on December 15, with funding provided by the Co-op and Tesco, and Christmas presents from Wight Fibre.

If you are interested in finding out more or donating to DIDDI, phone Dott on 07849 714689.

Orchard House Care Centre in Newport will also be opening its doors to older people from the community to tackle loneliness.

Older people, who might usually eat alone, are invited to join residents and teams at the home on Wednesdays for a three-course lunch.

Guests will be treated to a tasty lunch and offered a chance to chat to staff and residents while enjoying their food.

Gaynor Rhead, general manager at Orchard House, said: “Loneliness can be a big problem for elderly people, especially as the weather gets colder. Our doors are always open to new friends of the home.”

The Isle of Wight Salvation Army is gearing up to serve dinner to dozens of people on Christmas Day when it opens its Newport centre to people in need.

The group, which last year served 161 dinners on Christmas Day and provided 140 families with hampers, is seeking donations towards the meal, including carrots, sprouts, stuffing, pigs in blankets, parsnips, roast potatoes, gravy, turkey, peas, Christmas pudding, cream, custard, mince pies, milk, tea, coffee and Christmas cake.

Aspire Ryde will also be hosting a lunch on Christmas day for isolated people or those who may not have means to provide their own.

They are also seeking volunteers and food donations to help put the event together.

Potential volunteers can contact Aspire on projects@aspireryde.org.uk