A GROUP of older Worcester residents enjoyed an afternoon of tea, sandwiches and cake at an event organised and held at a Bransford hotel.

The Contact the Elderly group was given an invite for the older residents to enjoy the afternoon at the Bank House Hotel, where the event was held on Sunday, April 23.

The group is dedicated to relieving the loneliness of isolated older people, aged 75 and above who live alone, by organising monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups within local communities, providing a regular and vital friendship link each month.

The charity often works with other organisations, community groups and universities.

Deputy general manager Lynn Darling offered to host the afternoon tea party on Sunday, April 23, on behalf of

the hotel, with fresh linen, tiered cake stands full of freshly made sandwiches, cakes and tea and coffee all laid out across the table.

The majority of the older guests in the group live alone and some can regularly go for several days, or even weeks, without seeing or speaking to another person.

Michelle Wickenden, Worcester Group 2 volunteer and co-ordinator of the group, said: ‘‘We are really grateful to the hotel for their hospitality and generosity.

"Our guests had a wonderful time and we would love for more older people to join our group.

"We currently have six guests with several volunteer drivers and hosts, we would encourage older people to contact us if they would like to find out more about the groups in Worcestershire and how they can join.’’

Worcester residents aged 75 or over who live alone and are interested in joining a tea party can contact Gwen Lightfoot, development officer, on 01925 728969 or email gwen.lightfoot@contact-the-elderly.org.uk.