A MASSIVE Christmas celebration is being planned in York to help combat loneliness and its effects.

City musician and charity fundraiser Ian Donaghy is organising Xmas Presence for up to 80 people at Belfrey Hall in Stonegate.

He said he was inspired by his son, and had been amazed by the response since he floated the idea online. He now hopes to recruit an army of volunteers to make the day a success.

He said: "We are taking over a large hall in the centre of York on Christmas Day with a full commercial kitchen, PA system and musical instruments, and we are going to give up to 80 people who live alone in York the best Christmas possible."

York Press:

Gifts will be given out, there will be live music and lots of voluntary opportunities.

He said: "We need a creative army of warm-hearted people of all ages making cakes, biscuits, decorations, invitation cards, party hats, presents, cards etc.

"This is an opportunity to really tap into how we can come together to make the lives of people around us better."

Mr Donaghy said he was sparked into action by his eight-year-old son Billy's response to school homework before the General Election.

Asked what he would do if he were Prime Minister, Billy wrote: "I would make sure people who lived alone could have company if they wanted it."

Mr Donaghy said Billy had also wanted free Lego for all children - but he said: "Politicians in Westminster rarely see things with the honesty and empathy of children. So we got talking and as a family we came up with Xmas Presence."

He added: "Imagine the impact that this will make on these people and on everyone taking part. There have been similar events in Sheffield but they don't happen on Xmas Day - we think that's the day to do it, when the magnifying glass is at its most powerful. If life is good, Christmas makes it better but if you are alone it is a tough day."

Sally Hutchinson, chief officer of Age UK York, said the organisation welcomed any moves to alleviate loneliness.

She said: "It does become so much more apparent at Christmas. We do get lots of calls from people asking if there is anything laid on for those who have noone. We would love to work with them."

Anyone interested in helping is asked to email info@trainingforcarers.co.uk