A KEIGHLEY befriending project has been spotlighted as part of National Lottery 25th-anniversary celebrations.

The CarelinK programme, run by Keighley & District Volunteer Centre, is among schemes which have received lottery funding.

Since the National Lottery began, £79.9 million has been awarded to befriending initiatives in Yorkshire and Humberside which provide companionship to people affected by loneliness or social isolation.

The Keighley & District Volunteer Centre project has been running for about 12 years.

Currently a team of more than 40 volunteers makes weekly visits to 90 older people.

Gary Pedley, the centre’s chief executive officer, says the scheme also gives reassurance to relatives of the elderly people.

“I had a gentleman who was very worried about his elderly mother,” said Mr Pedley.

“He lived abroad and was conscious that she had no friends or family to visit her.

“He rang us from abroad and referred his mum personally. He sent us lovely feedback saying what a difference it had made to his mother and the peace of mind it had given him.”

Mr Pedley added: “Funding from the National Lottery has played a vital role in the continuation of the project. Without it, the service would have ceased.”