A CHRISTMAS tree festival hoping to bring some sparkle into the lives of lonely older people is being launched in Prudhoe this year.

St Mary Magdalene Church and Prudhoe Methodist Church are joining together to create the Christmas Tree Festival with Age UK Northumberland.

Trees donated and decorated by different groups in the community will be displayed in Prudhoe Parish Hall and Prudhoe Methodist Church.

They will be on display over the weekend of Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1, with entertainment from local choirs and music groups and refreshments on sale throughout the weekend.

Age UK Northumberland will use the money raised by the festival to develop its telephone befriending line and social groups to help lonely older people in Northumberland.

Statistics show that there are more than 7,000 lonely older people in the county.

Rachel Todd, from Age UK Northumberland, said: “We would love to hear from local businesses and groups that would like to donate a dressed tree to be on display throughout the weekend.

“It is a great way to showcase your services and activities to the community.”

Those interested in submitting a tree can call into Prudhoe Methodist Church or St Mary Magdalene for a registration form.