Staff at a Falmouth nursing home are inviting around a dozen people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day to join them and their residents for lunch, hoping it will inspire other homes and even individuals to follow suit.

Melissa Jones, manager of King Charles Court in Marlborough Road, said: "Through our community matron, Cerian Margetts, and a local church, we are trying to identify elderly people living in the community who, without our support, would be spending Christmas alone.

"The thought of any elderly person spending Christmas alone, not through choice, makes us feel very upset. I urge every care home in the county to follow suit and also hope it will encourage people to open their homes to people who are less fortunate. I urge people to invite their neighbours in - they may say no, but they may say yes. I view it as an offer of friendship rather than charity."

King Charles Court, which recently received an "amazing" inspection report from the Care Quality Commission, is home to 28 residents who, along with staff, are waiting to welcome some new faces around the table on Christmas Day.

Head chef Dave Langmead will be serving up a four or five course traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, including petit fours, mince pies and Christmas crackers.

"It will do two things," said Melissa. "It will support them (the guests) on Christmas day and they will have a lovely time here and it will also give them a little taste of a care home. People read so many bad things, I would love them to experience what it would like to be here in a lovely home. We are one big family here."

The guests will be invited to join the residents for lunch at about 12.30pm and then, should they wish, they will be welcome to stay for the afternoon to soak up the festive atmosphere with new-found friends.

Anyone who would like to be considered for a place around the Christmas table, or would like to nominate someone, is urged to contact the home on 311155.