East Lancashire pubs are calling on their patrons to help spread Christmas cheer and write cards to people facing loneliness and isolation this year.

Eleven pubs, in Hyndburn, Rossendale, Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle will be taking part in the scheme run by Proper Pubs.

The scheme, which started on Friday (November 15) and runs until December 15 encourages customers to write festive messages to someone at their local hospital, nursing home or community group.

Pubs involved will provide a list of recipients and will deliver the Christmas cards, making it easy for all those wanting to get involved.

They will arrive just before Christmas after being sent out on December 15 and aim to bring some joy to those who are spending it alone.

In Blackburn with Darwen the pubs collecting the cards are the Vic in Blackburn and the Entwistle Hotel in Darwen.

In Hyndburn, residents can spread Christmas joy via the Albion and Warners Arms, both in Accrington and also the Rhoden Inn and Tinker and Budget in Oswaldtwistle.

Additionally in Rossendale, those participating in the scheme can drop their cards off at the New Inn, Bacup and the Black Bull Hotel, Haslingden.

Finally, those feeling festive in Pendle can drop their presents off at the Lord Nelson and Station Hotel in Nelson.

A recent study by Localis found that 68% of adults believed pubs helped to tackle loneliness in their local area.

All taking part are part of Proper Pubs, and wider community wet-led operator Admiral Taverns, which has over 200 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.

Over the past two years, across its estate, Proper Pubs has donated almost 40,000 Christmas selection boxes to local charities, with thousands more set to be donated this year.