Christmas is here but turkey and a tipple is far from the minds of rising numbers of people who are spending the big day on their own.

Loneliness affects some 55,000 older people across the South East but there is growing evidence to suggest many younger people feel the same.

But businesses, charities and members of the public across Kent are taking action to help those in need of a bit of companionship over the festive period.

From restaurant meals to a warm place for the homeless to sleep, there are places you can turn whatever your personal circumstances.

Loneliness at Christmas is something Del Doyle knows well.

He was a master butcher with 40 years’ experience until a heart attack left him unable to work.

Since he lost his mother five years ago, he has spent Christmas Day alone.

The 58-year-old said: “When you open your curtains at Christmas, there isn’t usually snow, or a robin sitting on a hedgerow. It is grey and possibly wet.

"I could describe what my Christmas is like, but it’s just silence" - Del Doyle

“With a family, the kids get up early and open their presents, they make noise. I could describe what my Christmas is like, but it’s just silence.”

But this year, Mr Doyle decided enough was enough and with the help of friends and a £530 grant from county councillor Gary Cooke he is hosting a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, optional bingo, then tea, coffee, mince pies and a sing-song at the Fusion Café in Cobb Way, Maidstone.

Mr Doyle isn’t alone. Maidstone Day Centre hosted a Christmas meal on Thursday for its homeless clients, and today in Margate, priest John Taylor, will take over the Ali Raj in Canterbury Road, Westbrook, to host more than 80 people who have nowhere else to go for lunch.

A free dinner with all the trimmings, is to be held at Sittingbourne’s Phoenix House in Central Avenue today and tomorrow by Companionship at Christmas.

Medway Sunlight Rotary Club is hosting a meal at Chatham and Strood Salvation Army’s base in Church Street, Chatham.

The Salvation Army centre in Portland Road, Hythe, will also be hosting a Christmas dinner.

For full details, including many more events, or to book, visit the Community Christmas website.

For some loneliness hits hardest on Christmas Day but for older people in Kent it can be a year-round problem.

Wendy Pfeiffer manages Age UK befriending service, which in November made 423 visits to solitary people in West Kent.

She said: “At Christmas time due to articles such as this, people do begin to be aware of the ever-growing problem. However the sadness people feel of being alone will not simply disappear after the decorations are taken down.”

Volunteer Wendy Turtle works full time and is mum to two children. She still takes two hours out of her week to visit Norma Brooks, 67, with whom she has become fast friends.

Mrs Turtle, 41, said: “It makes me so sad there are so many people that just sit in their living rooms every single day. It upsets me there are so few things like us that can break this up.

“I have made a lovely , friend and I actually feel guilty as I get so much out of it too.”

Ms Brooks added: “Wendy is a godsend. To my mind more people should get involved with Age UK.”

Volunteer by calling Age UK Maidstone at 01622 753618.