A SQUARE in Oxford city centre was transformed into a living room as Age UK shone a light on loneliness.
As shoppers bustled past Bonn Square today, busy buying gifts, they were confronted with a sad reality: some people have no loved ones left to buy anything for.
The Oxfordshire branch of the charity put an armchair, rug, television and table in the square from 10am-4pm.
It replicated a scene from many elderly people's homes, in which television entertainment might be their only company this Christmas.
Anna McKay, marketing manager of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: "It was about making invisible people visible, and awareness of the people hidden behind closed doors.
"It was like a 'through the keyhole' view. The reaction was amazing. People were stopping to have a chat - it made people think."
She encouraged people to think about neighbours or strangers who might be alone, and what they can do to ease their isolation.
Actors from not-for-profit theatre company Living The Drama took it in turns to sit in the chair with a blanket and hot water bottle, while others read poetry about old age to passersby.
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