A care company is launching its annual Christmas gift-giving campaign.

Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset has been collecting presents for the elderly sick and vulnerable every year for the past 10 years.

It will then deliver the presents over the Christmas period.

The company recognises that being on your own at Christmas can be a "terrible time" for many.

However, it said that a "friendly face with a gift" could mean the world to many people.

This year, the company has partnered with Wellsprings Community Church and Diversity Voice UK, who will share the gifts with their members or patients.

Mark Hunt, director of Home Instead, said: "The local community has been hugely supportive in past years when we have collected over a thousand presents.

"Feelings of isolation and loneliness can certainly be heightened during the festive period, and it’s lovely to be able to reach out to people and let them know that we are thinking of them at this time.

"We know how community-spirited local people are and are looking forward to receiving many donations this year at all our collection points.

"Our thanks go to them for allowing us to bring the campaign to their stores."

Anyone wishing to donate gifts this year can do so at Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Specsavers Taunton, Tesco Express Galmington Centre, and the Home Instead office in Comeytrowe Centre.

The gifts will be shared with older adults in the community who may not otherwise receive a present this Christmas or who may be apart from family and friends.

For more information, contact the team at Home Instead Taunton on 01823 211121 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/taunton-west-somerset.