Residents in Devizes and Melksham are being sought to hold tea parties for older people in the community.

National group Contact the Elderly holds free monthly tea parties for small groups of people aged 75 and over, who live alone and need a hand getting out and about.

New groups are being set up in Devizes and Melksham.

Alison Radevsky, organiser of the Devizes group, said: “Volunteer hosts welcome six to ten older people and their drivers into their home once or twice a year for Sunday afternoon tea. The only requirements are a warm heart, a listening ear, reasonably easy access to the house and a downstairs loo.

“Volunteer drivers take one or two guests to and from the party each month in their own cars and stay to enjoy the tea and chat.

“For the elderly people, these parties are a lifeline of friendship.”

For more details call Mrs Radevsky on (01380) 722091 or Martin Elson on (01225) 707534.