A warm welcome was extended to anyone coming in from the cold at Abbeyfield's care home in Falmouth recently as it held its autumn fair.

The group is running a campaign to combat loneliness this Christmas, and there was companionship and cake on offer to anyone who came through the doors to enjoy stalls including art materials, craft materials, art paper, bric a brac and handbags, shoes and clothes.

The fair was used to launch the COPE campaign for people over 55 who will be on their own over Christmas, as well as raising funds to take the residents for a Christmas meal at local hotel.

Linda Harley, Abbeyfield's senior house manager for Cornwall, said: "The autumn fayre was well supported by local people, friends and family and raised £250.

"Everyone enjoyed the tea and cakes which were provided by the cooks. Baroness Dean was going to open the fayre and launch the COPE at Christmas Campaign but due to personal circumstances she was unable to attend."

She added: "We are planning to have several more events and our next one is on Saturday, November 5, for an afternoon of music plus bonfire buffet, from 3.30 to late."

Anyone wishing to go to the bonfire night event should call 01326 314832 for more details.

The COPE campaign runs from December 24 to January 4, and Abbeyfield houses will be offering free meals to anyone who is over 55 and lonely, and if the house has a guest room they can stay overnight for free, and has volunteers who can offer lifts.

Abbeyfield is looking for volunteers to help out over Christmas as: meal time and coffee time helpers, befrienders, events helpers, arts and craft helpers, and volunteer drivers.

Anyone who would like to volunteer should call 07813 441 385.

The group would also like volunteers to help out at all times of the year, and would like someone to run a craft or art afternoon, and also runs Sharing Sundays where anyone over 55 can book in for a three course Sunday roast for £5.