PEOPLE in West Somerset are being asked to volunteer a few hours a month to make isolated older people in the community feel connected and valued.

Re-engage, a national charity dedicated to ending loneliness and social isolation, organises social groups for people aged 75 and over who live alone.

The local group co-ordinator Renata Uraky said there are many people in the district who would like to be invited to a local Sunday afternoon tea party - but more volunteer drivers are needed to get them there.

Anyone willing to help would collect and accompany one or two older people to a party no more than once a month at another volunteer’s home.

Renata said: "We have so many older people on their own in this area and could do so much more with new volunteers.

"And if you can’t drive, would you consider being a volunteer host?"

If you can give three or four hours of your time a month, contact Renata on 07759 794063 for an informal chat about the difference you might make, or visit www.reengage.org.uk