COMBATTING loneliness among the elderly may now be a cup of tea.

A series of events focusing on the great British brew are being held around the city as part of Communi-tea Week which started on Monday and will be running until Sunday.

The aim of the nationwide Bupa initiative is to help the elderly who often feel cut off from the community.

The company's care homes are hosting Victorian tea parties and inviting elderly people to mingle over 1940s-style drinks and nibbles.

There will be a cake sale, card sale, quizzes and games at a tea party at Northlands Home Nursing and Residential Home, Southampton, at 2pm tomorrow.

Another event will be held at Knights' Grove Nursing and Residential Home, North Baddesley, where afternoon tea will be accompanied by a wartime Londoner show at 2pm on Friday.