FAMILY-owned funeral directors Walter C Parson, which has nine branches across the South West, opted to make charitable donations in lieu of cards and gifts at Christmas.

The firm's area managers chose the charities which they wanted to support locally, with a donation of £800.

John Ware, the managing director's assistant, said: 'We are delighted to be able to support local causes at this time of year, with a donation of £200 to each of four charities. Our manager of the Tavistock office, Peter Davey, chose to support Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS).'

Over the past five years, TASS has developed a befriending service that has supported more than 400 older vulnerable and lonely people. This service is delivered by a core of trained volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference to people's lives, giving them hope for a brighter future.

More recently, the waiting list has grown for support and in 2015 TASS is launching a new service 'A Voice that Makes A Difference'.

This will mean that those on the Befriending waiting list will receive at least two phone calls a month, making sure they are well and receiving the support they need to remain independent in their own home, living in the community.

Andy Lyle, manager at TASS, said: 'We were thrilled to receive the call from Peter Davey, saying we had been chosen as the charity to receive the donation and this will go towards the development of The Voice that Makes the Difference.'

Peter added: 'I hope that our donation will benefit this fantastic local charity within the community in which we serve our families.'