ELDERLY people in the Taunton area are being given the chance to make new friends by a national charity.

Contact the Elderly, which is dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people, is inviting local people aged 75 and over to join its Sunday afternoon tea parties.

Its group in the county town has space for new guests, who will be picked up from their home by a volunteer driver and taken to a volunteer host's home for tea, chat and friendship.

Contact the Elderly’s regional development officer, Helen Ker, said: “For older people who live alone, Sundays can be particularly long and difficult.

"These tea parties give people a chance to get together with others, make new friends, eat delicious cakes and enjoy a cup of tea.

"The monthly events make a real difference to the lives of those in the group and we would encourage anyone interested in coming along, or those who know of people to whom it might appeal, to get in touch.”

Anyone interested in joining should contact Helen Ker on 01225-873812 or e-mail helen.ker@contact-the-elderly.org.uk