A charity is urging carers and adults living alone to consider respite care this Christmas.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers' Society is advising carers and elderly people living alone to consider respite care over the busy Christmas period.

The charity which provides dedicated accommodation, nursing and care for former seafarers and non seafarers in Banstead, said benefits of respite care included providing carers with a much-needed break or time to visit other relatives, as well as allowing those who may not have friends or family to spend Christmas in the company of others.

Commander Brian Boxhall-Hunt OBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Alfred Seafarers' Society, said: "We offer shorter respite care stays at our home and we find the Christmas and New Year period is particularly busy.

"Carers use it as a time to recharge their batteries to ensure they continue to give the best possible care to their patient or to allow them to visit other friends and relatives.

"For elderly adults living alone it acts as an opportunity to be with other like minded individuals.

"Our advice to people is not to suffer in silence and to use facilities available as a short term support."