OFFICE workers gave elderly people free use of their phones and post services so they could contact relatives in the run up to Christmas.

Financial firm OneFamily invited members of Age UK to its headquarters in West Street, Brighton, to write greetings cards and make phone calls.

Marketing director Karl Elliott said: "This is a fantastic event that offers a vital service for older people at Christmas time. We clear one floor of our offices so people can come along and use the phones for a seasonal catch up with those they care about most. They also bring along their Christmas cards and we send them out on their behalf from our mail room.

"With loneliness and isolation being a real issue for many of our elderly neighbours, it’s a great opportunity for us to together with some of Brighton’s most fantastic and interesting people over a cup of tea and a mince pie. OneFamily colleagues are also on hand to help people write their cards or assist with looking up addresses and phone numbers."

Jess Sumner, chief executive of Age UK Brighton and Hove, said: "Older people really appreciate this festive open day. OneFamily has been hosting this event for Age UK for more than 10 years and it’s still going strong. Christmas is a time for giving and spending time with people and this event gives many of our members the chance to do just that."