A new scheme has been launched in the Worth Valley to help tackle loneliness among older people.

Monthly afternoon tea parties are being held, with the first having taken place on March 3.

Haworth & Worth Valley Rotarians have set up the project in conjunction with national charity Contact the Elderly.

Five pensioners were collected by volunteers and taken for tea at the home of Rotarian Hilary Wharton, chairman of the club’s community and vocational committee and organiser of the new group.

Also there were Mary Robinson, Contact the Elderly regional co-ordinator for the North & Midlands, and Haworth and Worth Valley Rotary president Mike Ward.

“All the guests had a thoroughly good time and are looking forward to the next one, which will take place at the home of another volunteer,” said Rotarian Chris Bown. More volunteer hosts and drivers are needed. Call 07767 476415 for details.