Hundreds of people turned out for a Hampshire fair to help tackle loneliness and isolation among the elderly.

More than 300 people went to the Senior Citizens Fair at St John the Evangelist Church Hall hosted by Fareham MP Suella Fernandes.

The event, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fareham Meon, hosted more than 25 exhibitors, including charities and groups which support senior citizens.

These included local and national groups ranging from hobby groups, health and lifestyle charities, and advice agencies.

Among the local groups in attendance were Men’s Shed, Fareham Women’s Institute, and the Rotary Club.

A number of charities that support older people also attended the event, including Parkinson UK, Cancer Research UK, Age UK and Diabetes groups.

Senior citizens had the opportunity to enjoy coffee, cake and a chat with their MP, watch an over-50s Zumba class and enjoy live music by local musician Ian Ash.

Mrs Fernandes said: “It was clear from the huge turnout that there is a great deal of interest from people in the different types of services available to older people in Fareham.

"All too often when people become older they find it difficult to stay connected with the community around them, resulting in loneliness and isolation.

“The fair was a great way of showing that there are excellent services for older people – whether that means social, health, and lifestyle groups and charities – right here in Fareham.

“I hope that residents who attended the fair will now be able to join new groups, meet new friends and discover what’s on offer right here in their own community.

“Thank you to everyone who came, and all of the charities and organisations which helped to make it such a success.”

Fareham resident Margaret Brooks, who attended the Senior Citizens Fair, said: “The fair was a very good way to see what’s on offer in the local community, and to meet other people with similar interests, I actually bumped into a few old friends here.

“There just isn’t enough ways to find out what’s going on, but after coming to the fair it’s clear that there is so much on my doorstep.

“I got to talk to people from many different groups. The fair was lively and there was a great atmosphere - I would like to thank Suella for organising it.”